The celebration, themed “75 Years of Teacher Education at Mount Mary College of Education: Impact, Challenges, and Prospects,” reflected on the institution’s journey, highlighting its role in shaping Ghana’s education sector.
Established in 1947 by American Catholic SVD Missionaries in Agormanya, the college began as Mount Mary Teachers Training College with an initial enrollment of 23 male students.
Over the years, it evolved into a leading institution, dedicated to nurturing professional educators who contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s academic development.
The anniversary events provided an opportunity for stakeholders, alumni, and current students to engage in discussions on the college’s achievements, challenges, and the way forward.
It was a moment of reflection on its historical foundation while reaffirming its commitment to excellence in teacher education.
The college was moved to its current location in Somanya in the Eastern Region in 1950, with the premises officially inaugurated in December 1951.
Dr. Mrs. Cecilia Agbeh, the College’s current principal, emphasized the institution’s enduring commitment to providing quality education.
She reflected on Mount Mary’s significant role in Ghana’s educational system, particularly in producing professional teachers who have made substantial contributions across the country.
She also highlighted the College’s collaboration with 124 basic schools in their catchment areas where students engage in Support Teaching in Schools (STS) during their internship, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
The college has currently enrolled 1,456 students, with 580 males (39.8 per cent) and 876 females (60.2 per cent).
Its staff comprises 148 individuals, including 54 teaching staff and 94 non-academic staff.
Despite some notable accomplishments, Dr. Agbeh pointed out the challenges that the college faces, including inadequate infrastructure, the lack of a tertiary-level academic library, and shortages in teaching resources.
“These issues hinder the college’s ability to provide an optimal learning environment, but the institution remains dedicated to addressing these concerns,” she said.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Kodzo Mensah, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, who was the guest speaker, praised the college’s advocacy for language education, particularly in French.
He noted that over the past 15 years, Mount Mary had produced nearly 400 graduates from its Bachelor of Education programme, many of whom have contributed significantly in various sectors.
He highlighted the college’s role in nurturing vocations within the Catholic Church.
Rev. Fr. Mensah noted that the importance of Catholic education, which instilled values and spiritual awareness, distinguished it from secular education.
He noted that the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in education, and cautioned that while AI could complement teaching, it could not replace quality Catholic education grounded in ethics and moral integrity.
Professor Mahama Duwiejua, representing the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), commended the college for its dedication to educational excellence, noting that its graduates had been foundational to Ghana’s national development.
Nene Sackitey II, President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, congratulated the college, urging students to pursue excellence and develop character to make meaningful contributions to society.
GNA
