President John Dramani Mahama has inspected the newly completed 1,500-capacity multipurpose assembly hall at Peki College of Education, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding educational infrastructure and creating employment opportunities for trained teachers.
Speaking during the inspection, President Mahama recalled that the assembly hall was one of two major projects initiated by his administration before leaving office in 2016. While a girls’ hostel was completed and has since been occupied by students, he noted that construction of the assembly hall was abandoned for eight years after the change of government.
“Before we left office in 2016, we started two important projects on this campus. The first was a girls’ hostel, which we completed before we left office. The second project was this auditorium, which we also started during our time in office.
Unfortunately, the project was abandoned for the past eight years when the new government came into office,” President Mahama said.
He explained that upon returning to office, his government prioritised the completion of the project, recognising its importance in supporting teaching, learning and student activities.
After touring the facility, the President expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, describing the building as a modern structure that would serve the institution for generations.
“I have taken time to inspect the progress of the project, and I must say that this is a very beautiful building that will serve the institution and its students for many years,” he stated.
President Mahama disclosed that the only outstanding component is the installation of furniture, which is expected to be delivered later this month.
“The contractor has assured us that the furniture will be delivered this month. Once it arrives, we will return here for the official commissioning together with our traditional leaders, stakeholders and the people of this area,” he announced.
The President commended all individuals and institutions that contributed to the successful completion of the project, describing it as a significant investment in Ghana’s education sector.
Addressing students, President Mahama encouraged them to remain focused on their studies and assured them that government is taking concrete steps to address graduate unemployment, particularly among newly trained teachers.
He revealed that his administration has begun clearing the backlog of trained teachers awaiting employment and has granted approval for the Ministry of Education to recruit at least 16,000 new teachers, including graduates from the country’s colleges of education.
“We have begun providing clearance for the Ministry of Education to recruit at least 16,000 new teachers and graduates from the colleges of education. Our aim is to ensure that when you complete your studies, you will not have to wait unnecessarily before opportunities are created for you to contribute to the development of Ghana,” he said.
President Mahama further assured students and management that government remains committed to improving conditions in colleges of education through continued investments in hostels, academic infrastructure and other essential facilities.
“We are investing in hostels, infrastructure and other facilities that will improve the quality of teaching, learning and overall educational outcomes. Your institution will not be left out of these efforts. We will continue to support its growth and development,” he added.
He concluded by urging students to remain dedicated to their education, stressing that Ghana’s future depends on a well-trained, disciplined and hardworking generation of young professionals.
“Remain committed to your studies because the future of Ghana depends on well-trained, dedicated and hardworking young people like you. I look forward to returning here soon to celebrate the completion and commissioning of this important facility.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
