Discover everything about teacher training colleges in Ghana, including admission requirements, types of colleges, curriculum, challenges, and government support. Learn how these institutions shape the future of education in Ghana.
There are currently 30 teacher training colleges in Ghana. These institutions are responsible for training and preparing teachers who will educate future generations. Without well-trained teachers, students may not receive a quality education. This is why teacher training colleges are very important in Ghana.
In this article, we will discuss the history of teacher training in Ghana, the types of colleges available, admission requirements, curriculum, notable institutions, challenges, government support, and the future of teacher education in the country.
History and Evolution of Teacher Training in Ghana
Teacher training in Ghana has a long history. In the past, traditional methods were used to educate children, where elders and knowledgeable people in the community taught young ones. However, formal teacher training began during the colonial era when the British introduced structured education systems.
The first teacher training college in Ghana was established in 1848 at Akropong. It was known as the Presbyterian Training College.
Over time, more colleges were established to train teachers for primary and secondary schools. After Ghana gained independence in 1957, the government made education a priority and expanded teacher training programs. Today, there are many teacher training colleges across the country, helping to improve the quality of education.
Types of Teacher Training Colleges in Ghana
There are different types of teacher training colleges in Ghana. These colleges offer different programs to train teachers for various levels of education.
The main types of teacher training colleges in Ghana include:
- Public Teacher Training Colleges: These colleges are owned and funded by the government. They provide training for teachers at a lower cost, making education accessible to many people.
- Private Teacher Training Colleges: These are owned by private individuals or organizations. They charge higher fees but also offer quality education and training.
- Specialized Teacher Training Colleges: Some colleges focus on training teachers for technical, vocational, or special education. These institutions prepare teachers to work in specific areas of education.
List of Teacher Training Colleges in Ghana
| Teacher Training Colleges in Ghana | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | College | Program Offered | University Affiliation |
| ASHANTI | |||
| 1 | Akrokerri College of Education | Primary & JHS Education | KNUST |
| 2 | Mampong Tech. College of Education | Primary & JHS Education | (TVET) |
| 3 | St. Monica’s College of Education, Mampong | Primary & JHS Education | University of Cape Coast (UCC) |
| 4 | Wesley College of Education, Kumasi | Primary & JHS Education | KNUST |
| 5 | St. Louis College of Education | Primary, Early Grade & JHS Education (Home Economics) | University of Education, Winneba |
| BONO | |||
| 6 | St. Joseph’s College of Education, Bechem | Primary & JHS Education | KNUST |
| 7 | St. Ambrose College of Education, Dormaa-Akwamu | Primary & JHS Education | University of Education, Winneba |
| 8 | Berekum College of Education | Primary, Early Grade & JHS Education | University of Cape Coast (UCC) |
| 9 | Al-Faruq College of Education, Wenchi | Primary, Early Grade & JHS Education (College offers Arabic) | University for Development Studies (UDS) |
| CENTRAL | |||
| 10 | Foso College of Education | Primary, Early Grade & JHS Education | University of Cape Coast (UCC) |
| 11 | Komenda College of Education | Primary, Early Grade & JHS Education | University of Education, Winneba |
| 12 | OLA College of Education, Cape Coast | Primary, JHS & Early Grade Education | University of Cape Coast (UCC) |
| EASTERN | |||
| 13 | Presby College of Education | Primary & JHS Education | University of Education, Winneba |
| 14 | Kibi College of Education | Primary and JHS Education | University of Cape Coast (UCC) |
| 15 | Mount Mary College of Education, Somanya | Primary & JHS Education | University of Ghana (UG) |
| NORTHERN | |||
| 16 | Bagabaga College of Education, Tamale | Early Grade, Primary & JHS Education | (TVET) |
| 17 | Gambaga College of Education | Primary, Early Grade & JHS Education | University for Development Studies (UDS) |
| 18 | St. Vincent College of Education- Yendi | Primary, Early Grade & JHS Education | University for Development Studies (UDS) |
| UPPER EAST | |||
| 19 | St. John Bosco’s College of Education, Navorongo | Primary & JHS Education (Technical) | (TVET) |
| UPPER WEST | |||
| 20 | N.J. Ahmadiyya College of Education, Wa | Primary, Early Grade & JHS Education | (TVET) |
| 21 | Tumu College of Education | Primary, Early Grade and JHS Education | University for Development Studies (UDS) |
| 22 | McCoy College of Education, Nadowli | Primary and JHS Education | University for Development Studies (UDS) |
| VOLTA | |||
| 23 | Dambai College of Education | Early Grade, Primary and JHS Education | University for Development Studies (UDS) |
| 24 | Jasikan College of Education | Primary, Early Grade & JHS Education | University of Cape Coast (UCC) |
| 25 | E.P College of Education, Amedzofe | Primary & JHS Education | University of Ghana (UG) |
| 26 | St. Teresa’s College of Education, Hohoe | Primary, Early Grade & JHS Education | University of Cape Coast (UCC) |
| 27 | Akatsi College of Education | Primary & JHS Education | (TVET) |
| WESTERN | |||
| 28 | Holy Child College of Education, Takoradi | Primary, Early Grade & JHS Education | University of Cape Coast (UCC) |
| 29 | Enchi College of Education | Early Grade, Primary & JHS Education | University of Ghana (UG) |
| 30 | Bia-Lamplighter College of Education | Primary, Early Grade & JHS Education | University of Education, Winneba |
Admission Requirements and Process
To gain admission into a teacher training college in Ghana, applicants must meet certain requirements:
- A minimum of six passes in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), including English and Mathematics.
- Good grades in relevant subjects.
- Passing an entrance examination or interview in some cases.
- Some colleges may require a background in education-related courses.
The admission process usually involves:
- Buying and completing an application form.
- Submitting the form along with necessary documents.
- Writing an entrance exam (if required).
- Attending an interview (if necessary).
- Receiving an admission letter if successful.
Curriculum and Training Programs
- Education Courses
- Subject Specialization
- Practical Teaching Experience
- Professional Ethics
- ICT in Education
Challenges Facing Teacher Training Colleges in Ghana
- Some colleges do not have enough classrooms, hostels, or teaching materials.
- Many colleges depend on government support, which may not always be enough.
- Some colleges do not have enough lecturers, affecting the quality of training.
- Some student teachers do not get enough real classroom experience before graduation.
- Some colleges do not have enough computers or internet access to train teachers on modern teaching methods.
Final Thoughts
Teacher training colleges in Ghana are very important for the country’s development. Although there are challenges, efforts are being made to improve teacher education. With better funding, infrastructure, and technology, teacher training in Ghana will continue to improve.
