Dr. Apaak tasks St. Ambrose College management to protect new hostel, ensure accountability

Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Abas Apaak has charged the Governing Council and management of St. Ambrose College of Education to ensure the effective management, maintenance and protection of the institution’s newly commissioned 300-capacity hostel.

He said the facility, commissioned on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Dormaa Akwamu in the Bono Region, must be managed responsibly to ensure students receive the full benefit of the public investment.

Dr. Apaak outlined five priorities for the college’s leadership, including a clear hostel management policy, regular maintenance, transparent financial administration, adequate safety arrangements and proper allocation of accommodation.

“First, establish and apply a clear hostel management policy covering eligibility, room allocation, applicable charges, maintenance, sanitation, security, common facilities and the handling of complaints. Communicate it clearly and apply it fairly,” he said.

He also called for a practical maintenance plan involving regular inspections, cleaning, timely repairs and servicing of equipment to prevent minor problems from developing into costly damage.

The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of sound financial and administrative procedures, saying records of occupancy, expenditure and maintenance should be accurate, transparent and subject to proper oversight.

He further urged management to ensure that students enjoy a safe residential environment, with adequate security, fire safety, sanitation, water, electricity and properly maintained shared spaces.

“Fourth, provide a safe and respectful residential environment, with proper arrangements for security, fire safety, sanitation, water, electricity and shared spaces. Students must have clear channels for reporting faults and safety concerns,” he said.

Dr. Apaak said accommodation should be allocated according to established criteria and the hostel used strictly for its intended purpose.

He added that the institution should build on the commissioning by strengthening academic excellence, student support and institutional accountability.

The Deputy Minister said hostel management must go beyond providing accommodation to ensuring that students are safe and protected from abuse and harassment.

He called for clear and trusted reporting channels for misconduct and urged college authorities to handle complaints promptly and confidentially.

He also stressed that victims of sexual abuse and harassment must be listened to, protected and never blamed.

“Let me be clear: sexual abuse and harassment, whether by a person in authority or by a fellow student, have no place in our education system, and will not be tolerated. Victims must be listened to, protected and never blamed. Reports must be handled promptly, confidentially and referred to the appropriate authorities,” he said.

Dr. Apaak urged staff to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, punctuality and respect for students, while asking teacher trainees to protect the facility and respect one another.

The 300-capacity hostel was commissioned as part of efforts to improve student accommodation at St. Ambrose College of Education, which trains teachers for Ghana’s education system.

In his address, Dr Apaak said students who study away from home often face housing costs, long travel distances and inadequate accommodation, which can affect their concentration and participation in academic life.

He described the hostel as an investment in student welfare and teacher education but said its lasting value would depend on how well it was managed and maintained.

He also commended the Governing Council, college management, staff, students, traditional authorities, political leaders, contractors, consultants and other stakeholders who contributed to the project.

Dr. Apaak urged the college community to work together to safeguard the facility and ensure it continues to support students and the preparation of future teachers.