Education Minister assures PRINCOF of a change in the status of colleges of education

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has made an important announcement. He assured the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOFF) that their institutions will soon gain legal recognition as tertiary institutions. This will happen through a new ACT that revises ACT 847.

Iddrisu shared this assurance during a breakfast meeting with PRINCOFF members. The meeting took place at the Labadi Beach Hotel on Tuesday. All 47 principals attended to discuss long-standing concerns facing their colleges.

The Minister stated that ACT 847 will be revised into a bill. This bill will provide Colleges of Education with legal backing to operate fully as tertiary institutions. He emphasized that the government plans to introduce this new bill in Parliament before the end of 2025.

Iddrisu also announced that 2% of Ghana’s oil and gas revenue will support Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Part of this funding will help address challenges faced by the Colleges. He is working to convince the cabinet and Ministry of Finance about this allocation.

Professor Samuel Atintono, President of PRINCOF, expressed satisfaction with the Minister's assurances. He noted that the issue of salary migration for staff has been resolved.

Atintono said, “He listened well and responded appropriately to our concerns.” He added they are now waiting for implementation of these promises.

For example, he mentioned issues with vehicles for principals. The Minister assured them he would consult G-Tech to resolve this matter.

Atintono confirmed that by January 2025, most staff have been migrated to the university pay structure. A few individuals remain unaddressed but are in the minority.

He concluded by saying they are pleased with progress on salary migration despite some ongoing processes.