Eduwatch Raises Concerns Over Proposed College of Education in Jomoro

Africa Education Watch has expressed concern regarding the government’s plan to establish a new College of Education in the Jomoro Municipal area, citing issues related to planning priorities and lack of supporting data.

Concerns About Existing Capacity

According to Eduwatch, Jomoro Municipal is close to Aowin Municipal, where the Enchi College of Education operates below its full capacity. The institution is reportedly functioning at about 30% below its intake level due to admission restrictions introduced by the Ministry of Education Ghana in 2022.

Availability of Institutions in Western Ghana

The group also noted that the Western Region already has four Colleges of Education producing graduates. In addition, distance learning centres run by the University of Cape Coast in the region continue to train teachers for basic education.

National Oversupply of Teacher Graduates

Eduwatch further highlighted that, despite admission caps placed on the 46 public Colleges of Education, alongside institutions such as the University of Education Winneba, University of Ghana, and University for Development Studies, the country is still producing more than twice the number of teachers required each year. This situation, they argue, places unnecessary financial pressure on the state.

Rising Graduate Unemployment

The statement also pointed out that more than 60,000 licensed teachers have remained unemployed since 2023. Eduwatch believes that establishing additional Colleges of Education will worsen the imbalance between the number of trained teachers and available job opportunities.

Uncompleted Projects and Infrastructure Challenges

Another key issue raised is the number of stalled and unfinished projects within existing Colleges of Education since 2012. Eduwatch suggests that resources should instead be directed toward completing these projects, improving faculty strength, and enhancing teaching and learning materials.

Call for Policy Review

Considering the country’s estimated GH¢16 billion annual education financing gap, Eduwatch argues that setting up a new College of Education in Jomoro Municipal does not represent effective use of limited public funds.

The organization is therefore urging the Ministry of Education Ghana to reconsider the decision and focus on maximizing the capacity and resources of existing institutions, including reviewing admission limits where necessary.