The Minister of Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, has assured that Government will constitute and swear in a Governing Council for the St. John Bosco’s College of Education by February 10, 2026.
The College has been operating without a Governing Council due to disagreements over the legal framework regulating the tenure of chairpersons and members of governing councils, a situation that has hindered effective governance and management.
Addressing the 14th Congregation of the College in Navrongo, the Minister emphasised that the reconstitution of the Council was urgent and necessary to restore proper administrative oversight.
Mr Iddrisu explained that the delay was due to differing interpretations of the law, which limits the tenure of council members and chairpersons to a maximum of two four‑year terms.
“My understanding of the law, interpreted strictly, is that a chairperson or member of council shall serve a maximum of two terms—four plus four years—and that requirement had been met,” he said.
He noted, however, that he had been advised that St. John Bosco’s College of Education, as a Catholic Church–owned institution, may accommodate tenure arrangements consistent with practices in other faith‑based tertiary institutions.
“I have been reminded that this is an institution of the Church and for the Church, and therefore it is permissible to accommodate the chairperson to have a tenure longer than the legally defined four‑plus‑four‑year period,” he added.
The Minister stated that, based on this clarity, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the local community, would expedite the reconstitution and swearing‑in of the new Governing Council before academic activities resume in two weeks.
“Within a fortnight, within the next two weeks, I will make sure that the council is put in place for effective governance to support the Principal and management of the College,” he assured.
Mr Iddrisu congratulated the graduating students and commended the staff and management for their dedication to teacher education.
He urged the new graduates to exemplify professionalism and integrity as they prepare to serve in classrooms across the country.
Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, Director‑General of GTEC, commended the College for its significant contributions to teacher training and pledged continued support from the Commission.
Professor Clement Ayarebilla Ali, the Principal of the College, expressed appreciation to the Government for its support but also highlighted the institution’s infrastructural challenges, appealing for urgent assistance.
GNA
