Photos: Dr. Apaak commissions 300-capacity hostel at St. Ambrose College of Education

Deputy Education Minister, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has commissioned a 300-capacity hostel at St. Ambrose College of Education in Dormaa Akwamu, Bono Region, as part of efforts to improve student welfare and provide a more supportive environment for teacher trainees.

The facility was officially commissioned on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at a ceremony attended by education officials, college management, traditional authorities and other stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and the government, Dr. Apaak described the project as an investment in students and the future of teacher education in Ghana.

“This is not merely the opening of a new building. It is an investment in student welfare, in access to education, and in the teachers who will shape Ghana’s future,” he said.

He noted that students studying away from home often face accommodation difficulties, long journeys and housing costs that can affect their comfort, concentration and participation in academic activities.

“By providing accommodation within the College environment, this hostel will help meet some of these needs, subject to the College’s allocation arrangements and accommodation policies,” he said.

Dr. Apaak said the facility could also help strengthen relationships among students by providing opportunities to develop cooperation, tolerance, time management and personal responsibility.

He stressed, however, that the success of the project should not be judged solely by its size or appearance.

“But the success of this hostel will not be measured by its appearance or its capacity. It will be measured by how well it serves students, how well it is maintained, and how much it contributes to their welfare and education,” he said.

He urged the college’s Governing Council and management to ensure that the facility was properly maintained and used for its intended purpose.

The Deputy Minister said St. Ambrose College of Education plays an important role in preparing teachers who will educate future generations.

He explained that quality teacher preparation requires more than academic programmes, pointing to the need for competent tutors, professional development, libraries, laboratories, ICT facilities and suitable accommodation.

“The quality of the teachers prepared here today will determine the quality of education our children receive tomorrow,” he said.

Dr. Apaak encouraged the college’s management to maintain high academic standards, support staff development and promote student welfare so the investment would contribute to better teaching and learning outcomes.

He also urged students to take responsibility for the facility by keeping their rooms and shared spaces clean, conserving water and electricity, reporting faults promptly and respecting hostel rules.

The commissioning ceremony brought together the college’s Governing Council, management, staff, students, traditional authorities, political and administrative leaders, contractors and consultants who contributed to the project.

Dr. Apaak said the long-term benefits of the hostel would depend on responsible management, regular maintenance and cooperation among members of the college community.