The Principal of Komenda College of Education, Very Rev. Professor Kwesi Nkum Wilson, has called for urgent reforms in Ghana’s private education sector, insisting that at least 60% of teachers employed in private schools should be professionally trained.
Addressing the college’s 15th Congregation and Graduation Ceremony on September 5, 2025, Professor Wilson drew a sharp comparison between the healthcare and education sectors, stating,
“Just as private hospitals can’t employ unqualified nurses, so must our private schools. A minimum of 60% of teachers in private education must, at the very least, be professional teachers to safeguard the quality of education delivered nationwide.”
He made it known that to strengthen the teaching workforce, it is essential to provide employment opportunities for graduates not only by the government, but also by ensuring that the private education sector employs a significant proportion of professionally qualified teachers.
“We must create a system where both the public and private sectors are aligned in prioritizing professional standards,” he emphasized.
“By making sure that at least 60% of teachers in private education are professionally trained, we can enhance the quality of education delivered nationwide and give every child a fair chance at a solid academic foundation,” he added.
Professor Wilson also called on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to permit Colleges of Education to run Ghanaian Language, Music, and Physical Education as elective programmes.
According to him, expanding the curriculum to include these subjects will honour Ghana’s cultural heritage, promote holistic education, and produce teachers who can nurture students not only academically but also culturally and physically.
The call came during the 15th Congregation themed “Sustaining Excellence in Teacher Education: Addressing Infrastructure Challenges.”
The ceremony celebrated yet another milestone for Komenda College of Education, graduating 590 students, including 189 who achieved First-Class honours — a clear sign of the institution’s dedication to academic excellence and teacher training.
Professor Wilson linked his call for curriculum and workforce reforms to broader changes in admissions policy.
He appealed to GTEC to consider removing the admission quota system that restricts how many students Colleges of Education can admit each year.
“During admission periods, we receive more than 2,000 qualified applicants annually,” he noted.
“With changes in the quota system, we can open doors for more prospective teachers to receive the training they need. With adequate accommodations and infrastructure, committed and genuine teachers will be motivated to serve across all sectors, contributing decisively to national development,” he added.
While celebrating Komenda College’s achievements, Professor Wilson also highlighted the need for continuous improvement in infrastructure.
He noted that addressing challenges in teaching facilities is not only about putting up buildings or purchasing equipment but about creating learning environments where innovation, creativity, and professional development can flourish.
He revealed that in the recent years, the college has undertaken upgrades, including modern furniture for classrooms, new printing equipment and computers, improved residential facilities, and industrial sewing and cooking equipment for the Home Economics Department.
He also drew national attention to government-funded projects at the college that have stalled, limiting teaching, learning, and administrative efficiency.
He urged stakeholders to prioritize the completion of such projects to strengthen Colleges of Education, which remain central to Ghana’s human capital development.
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