Source: Francis Prince Ankrah, Esq. Registrar

Ada College of Education held its 16th Congregation on Friday, 19 September 2025, celebrating the academic achievements of 316 graduate teachers and issuing a bold call for national action on technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

The ceremony was chaired by Prof. Frederick Kwaku Sarfo, Vice-Chancellor of Akenten Appiah Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), in the absence of a substantive Governing Council Chairman. It attracted distinguished guests from across Ghana’s educational landscape.

Ms. Sabina Mawufemor Avornyo, the valedictorian of Ada College of Education, delivered a stirring call to her fellow graduates to uphold the enduring values of integrity, resilience, and compassion, not merely as educators who impart knowledge, but as transformative agents of change. Reflecting on her journey, she spoke with heartfelt pride about emerging as the best graduating student, a woman excelling in a world where girls still strive for equal access to education. Her achievement, she said, was not just personal, but symbolic: a beacon of possibility for every young girl daring to dream. She described the honour bestowed upon her by AdaCoE as a profound reminder that when women rise, entire communities ascend with them. With gratitude and conviction, she expressed her hope that her story would inculcate courage in others to dream boldly, study fiercely, and lead fearlessly.

Prof. Smile Dzisi, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service and Guest Speaker, addressed the congregation on the chosen theme: Empowering Educators: Enriching Lives. She urged the graduands to be intentional about their life choices and resist the temptation to cut corners. She said, “The future of Ghana’s youth is in your hands to shape and mould,” emphasizing that posterity would judge them by their performance as teachers. She underscored the importance of staying abreast of technological advancements to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving world.

Degrees were conferred by Prof. Mrs. Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba. The graduating class consisted of 91 First Class Honours, 168 Second Class (Upper Division), 46 Second Class (Lower Division), 10 Third Class, and 1 Pass degree.

In his address, Prof. Prince Boateng, Principal of Ada College of Education, congratulated the graduands and reminded them that their certificates were not an end but a key. He said, “How you use it will determine the doors that open for you.” He encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning, critical thinking, resilience, and service to community and country, saying, “You are now ambassadors of Ada College of Education. Represent us with integrity, innovation, and impact.” Prof. Boateng also highlighted a pressing national concern: the acute shortage of qualified TVET educators. He noted that only a handful of tertiary institutions currently prepare teachers for Ghana’s TVET sector, a gap undermining the government’s industrialization agenda. He called for a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Education, GTEC, and Colleges of Education to designate select institutions as specialized TVET teacher training centres.

He proposed that such centres would:

• Train educators for technical and vocational subjects at the Junior High School level

• Prepare teachers for technical schools and institutes

• Develop instructors for senior high technical schools

• Create a pipeline of qualified TVET educators for technical universities

• Support community-based skills training programmes

“This strategic designation would not only address our immediate teacher shortage,” Prof. Boateng concluded, “but also position our Colleges of Education as centres of excellence in technical education, attracting industry partnerships and advancing Ghana’s development agenda.”

Outstanding academic excellence and discipline-specific achievements were celebrated with various awards sponsored by institutional partners and benefactors. Sabina Mawufemor Avornyo emerged as the Overall Best Student with a CGPA of 3.89, receiving chafing dishes from ADACOE and a table-top fridge from Ecobank, as both the best overall and best female graduate. Edem Gakpetor, the Best Male student with a CGPA of 3.86, received a table-top fridge from Ecobank and was honoured as the best graduating student in Technical Skills. Programme-specific awards included rice cookers from PPMC for top graduates in Primary Education (Obed Okai, 3.85), Mathematics & Science (Joshua Kofi Tetteh, 3.84), and Science & Mathematics (Suzzy Dzogbeta, 3.61). Awurama Edwards Agyeman, best in Visual Arts, received a gaming computer from Supreme Concepts, while Sabina Mawufemor also received a microwave from Mellone Cassell Ltd. for excellence in Home Economics & Agriculture. Okai Obed was further recognized and rewarded for excellence in Supported Teaching in Schools (STS) activities. In a special category, Agblo Mavis Ablah, best in Dangme, was awarded a double-decked fridge & GHC10,000.00 (sponsored by SlyDonCee Ventures), a 43- inch television (sponsored by the Member of Parliament for Ada East Constituency), and a citation (sponsored by the Graduates and Professionals of the Ga-Dangme Network).

In recognition of distinguished service and creative contribution, several individuals received citations for diligence sponsored by FG&B Technologies, Accra (the College’s Internet Service provider). Honourees included Mr. David Cephas Sottie, 9th substantive Principal of the College; Mr. Cephas Bodakpui, 10th substantive Principal, who also received a 64-inch television donated by the College; and Mr. Henry Hayford Coffie, immediate past Acting Principal and Vice Principal.

Mr. Barnabas Atsini was specially acknowledged as the Composer of the College Anthem. Additionally, the organisers of the 2025 Ms. Asafotufiami Pageant presented awards to outstanding participants, all students of the college: Winner, 2nd Runner-Up, Ms. Eloquence, and Best Performer, celebrating excellence in cultural representation and personal expression.

Mr. Godwin Appiah, a Level 400 student, was duly recognized for his creative excellence in designing a distinctive logo for the Mathematics Students Association. In acknowledgment of his contribution, he received a special prize generously sponsored by Dr. Eunice Osei-Asibey, Head of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

The Congregation was graced by a substantial complement of Convocation members, illustrating collaborative leadership and educational stewardship. Management officials present included Prof. Prince Boateng, Principal; Dr. Nana Osei Yaw, Vice Principal; Francis Prince Ankrah, Esq., College Registrar; Mr. David Doe Ayornoo, College Librarian; Mr. Eric Kweku Nuertey, Internal Auditor; and Mr. Simon Kpodo, Acting Finance Officer.

Senior Members (Teaching) comprised Dr. Eunice Osei-Asibey, Head of the Department of Mathematics & Computer Studies; Dr. Hubert Amevor, Head of the Department of Science; Mr. Gershon K. Ladzekpo, Acting Head of the Department of Languages; Mr. Alfred Doh Nukpetsi, Acting Head of the Department of Education; Mr. Alex Kojo Okyere, Acting Head of the Department of Vocational & Technical Education; and Mr. Enoch M. K. Awudza, Acting Head of Academic Affairs. They were joined by Assistant Lecturers; Mr. Courage Kwasi Dovi, Mr. Brobbey Williams, Mr. Joseph Padi Narh, Ms. Lucy Assibi Ayombisah, Mr. Michael M. S. K. Zonyira, Mr. Raphael Nuseli Djoh Dotse (Torgbui Zewu IV), Mr. Samuel Lamptey, Mr. Eric Amesimeku, Mr. Isaac Larteh Tawiah, Mr. Joshua Dugah, Mr. Hamidu Kwame Seidu, Mr.Stephen Eduah, Mr. Kofi Ofori, Mr. Simon Narh Kemausour, Mr. John Kobla Atiyie (Torgbui Ashiagbor IV), Mr. Edward T. Abaya-Teye, Mr. Sampson K. Davi, Miss Rose Srem-Sai, Mr. Reuben Teye Aborchie, Mr. Eric Sackey, Ms. Stella Serwaa Boafo, Mr. Clement Soglo-Sevor, Mr. Jonathan Amonoo Davis, Dr. Divine Kwadamah, Mr. Kingsley Baffoe, Mr. Nelson Zanga, Mr. Eric Donkor, Mrs. Pamela Nyadroh, Mr. Jacob A. Agbedam, Mr. Patrick Kwame Babah, Mrs. Hilda Eyram Metsiwodzi, and Mr. Charles Ladzekpo.

Senior Members (Non-Teaching) included Mr. Lord Freeman Aleley, Junior Administrative Assistant for Academic Affairs; Christian Lawerh Anim, Esq., Junior Administrative Assistant for Human Resources; Mr. Daniel Amuzu-Kpeglo, Junior Administrative Assistant, Principal’s Secretariat; Mr. Louis Johnson Afedo, Junior Administrative Assistant for Finance, Accounts, Records and Archives; Mr. Kingsley Larbi, Assistant Internal Auditor; Ms. Gifty Terkpetey, Junior Assistant Librarian; Mr. Frank Kinski Mikado, Assistant Procurement Officer; and Mr. Hayford Owusu, Assistant Systems Analyst. Other dedicated staff present were Ms. Patience Nenyo Jenkins, Ms. Ella Asare, Ms. Mary Ayongo Demah and Ms. Agartha Badu, Senior Administrative Assistants; Ms. Beauty Loh, Principal Accounting Assistant; Mr. Emmanuel Cobbinah, Senior Technician; Mr. Nanteen Nteajor, Senior Auditing Assistant; Ms. Doris Anim, Principal Library Assistant; Campus Security led by Mr. Bernard Dogbatse; and the Estates Department led by Mr. Charles Asem-Deku.

The event was further enhanced by the presence of esteemed guests, including the Chief Executive of Ada East District, Honourable Kenneth Kabu Kanor, institutional partners, and traditional authorities, highlighting the College’s community significance and national influence.

Representatives of the Ada College of Education Old Students Association included Rev. Charles Akafia, President; Mrs. Vincentia Asase-Fayorsey, Treasurer; and Pastor Zack Teye Appiah, Organising Secretary.

Chiefs and elders present were Nene Korley V, Divisional Chief of Tekperbiawe; Nene Tetteh Lawerh Okumo, Divisional Chief of Dangbebiawe; Asafoatsengua Tetteh Osrama Gaduga VI of Dangbebiawe; and Nene Osusey Ackwerh II, Chief of Foahngua (Totimekope) and Vice President of the Ada State Community Chiefs Association.

District directorates were represented by Mr. Ferguson Akey, Director of the Ghana Education Service; Mr. Amen Agbenorhevi, Head of the National Identification Authority; Mr. Emmanuel Alimo, Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dangbe East; Mr. Moses Osabu, Manager of the Ghana Water Company Limited; and Mr. Frederick Atitsogbui, Administrator representing the Director of the Ghana Health Service.

Other dignitaries included Mr. Cephas Kwasi Boadakpui, Former Principal of Ada College of Education; Mr. Emmanuel Huago, Former Vice Principal of Ada College of Education; Mr. Edwin Capacity Agbemafo, Dean of Students Affairs, Akatsi College of Education; Dr. David Nasere of Accra College of Education; Eric Mawuli K. Prempeh, Director of Finance, PPMC; Dr. Susan Asamoah, Senior Lecturer, Central University; Engineer Peter Antwi-Boasiako, Key Advisor for TVET; Prof. Michael Sushey, Director of ITECPD at UEW; Ms. Barbara Amoako Kissi of UEW; Mr. Evans Kofi Tito of the Ghana Education Service; Mr. Frederick Kwaku Norvor of the Ghana Revenue Authority (CEPS Division); Rev. Father Roland Kajelo, Assistant Parish Priest; Mr. Kofi Lawerh, Lead Trainer for Community Radio and Former Manager of Ada Radio; Ms. Louisa Akpoto of the Divine Torch Foundation; Mr. Alfred Akuako of SlyDonCee Ventures; as well as representatives from the District Police, Fire Service, and various youth groups.

Mr. Gershon K. Ladzekpo, Head of the Department of Languages, diligently emceed the event. The Alumni Oath was administered by Rev. Charles Akafia, President of Ada College of Education Old Students Association. The Opening and Closing Prayers were led by Rev. Reuben Aborchie, College Chaplain.

This year’s congregation was supported by Hon. Mrs. Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe Ghansah, Member of Parliament for Ada East Constituency, Dangme Rural Bank, Ecobank Ghana Ltd., PPMC, Mellone Casell Limited, SlyDonCee Ventures, and Graduates and Professionals of Ga – Dangme Network.

The 16th Congregation marked a moment of pride, reflection, and renewed purpose for Ada College of Education, reaffirming its commitment to shaping educators who will lead with knowledge, character, and vision.