Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister, has called on stakeholders to collectively prioritize education as the basis for national progress. She underscored the essential role of education in shaping the future of the nation saying it was crucial to foster an environment for students to excel academically and embrace principles of tolerance, respect, and understanding which were essential for a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous society. The Regional Minister made the call at the first Congregation of Al-faruq College of Education in Wenchi, Bono Region under the theme: 'Teacher Education and National Development; Focus on Islamic Education.' A total of 526 students, comprising 272 males and 254 females, were awarded degrees in Diploma in Basic Education and Bachelor of Education. Madam Owusu-Banahene emphasised the need to recognise the broader impact of teachers on national development and highlighting their role as catalysts for progress which empower individuals with the skills an d knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the country. She that teachers were not only responsible for imparting academic knowledge but also for instilling character and values that contributed to the holistic development of individuals, to become socio-economically self-reliant and contributes to the overall development of the nation. Madam Owusu-Banahene observed that the absence of teachers would hinder the development of the country's human resources base and stressed that teachers need to be accorded with respect and dignity they deserved. Madam Owusu-Banahene urged the graduating teachers to accept postings to all places particularly at the remote areas of the country to make a positive impact on students' lives and take pride in their profession which was a self-fulfilling vocation that expanded one's own being by imparting knowledge and skills to contribute to society. She gave assurance that government under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was committed to implement policies and programs to enhance teacher education in the country. Mr Wahab Sualihu, Principal of the College, emphasised that effective teacher education was indispensable for meaningful development and knowledge the accelerated interest in Islamic Education shown by successive governments, saying Al-Faruq College was dedicated and poised to lead Islamic Education in Ghana. Mr Sualihu expressed the college's readiness to collaborate with stakeholders and affiliated mentor universities to develop a teacher education curriculum that will train numerous in-service Arabic instructors in Ghana's basic schools. Mr Asumah Mohammed was recognised as the top-performing student overall, while Madam Hajara Abu was honoured as the best female graduate of 2022. Matilda Ankrah Amoakoaa achieved the title of best graduate in 2019, and other exceptional graduates were duly rewarded for their outstanding performance. In addition, three graduates from the 2020 cohort, namely Ibrahim Habib Mohammed, Abigail Annobil, and Iddrisu Zulaifatu, achieved first-class honours. Source: Ghana News Agency Kwale County – Governor Fatuma Achani of Kwale County has emphasized her administration's commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a strategic approach to address youth unemployment in the coastal county. Governor Achani pointed out the necessity of technical training for those who do not transition to higher education institutions after secondary school.
According to Kenya News Agency, The county government is focusing on providing technical skills to bridge the growing skilled labor deficit and enhance hands-on experience in the region. Governor Achani believes that TVETs are crucial for improving labor market access and livelihood opportunities for many young people who lack the necessary skills for job market integration.
Since the onset of devolution in 2013, the number of TVETs in Kwale has increased from 12 to 43 across 20 administrative wards. These technical institutes offer diverse training programs in fields such as engineering, carpentry, refrigeration, welding, masonry, mechanics, electrical, plumbing, tailoring, catering, and beauty trades. The proliferation of TVETs aims to equip young people with relevant skills for productive societal roles and sustainable livelihoods.
"We are equipping TVETS to provide learners with the technical skills needed to eke out a living," stated Governor Achani, highlighting the importance of skill acquisition and vocational training. The county is committed to enhancing access and improving the quality and relevance of vocational training in the labor market.
TVETs are instrumental in achieving Kenya's Vision 2030 development agenda, a national government program launched in 2008 to transform Kenya into a middle-income economy by 2030. Governor Achani encouraged the youth to join TVETs to gain practical skills and improve employability.
During her address at the graduation ceremony of the Kamale TVET center in Samburu sub-county, Governor Achani announced the county's plans to upgrade local TVETs to centers of excellence with a budget of Sh10 million, recruit additional staff, and link graduates with potential employers. The initiative aims to provide youths with technical skills and opportunities to enhance self-resilience and sustainability.
The event, also attended by Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo and County Executive Committee Member for Social Services and Talent Management Francisca Kilonzo, highlighted the county's efforts to address the severe shortage of skilled artisans like plumbers, carpenters, welders, and mechanics.