The Member of Parliament (MP) for Akim Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has acknowledged the challenges confronting teachers in Ghana, including delays in postings and issues relating to teacher licensure, assuring graduating student teachers that efforts are being made in Parliament to address their concerns.
He urged the graduands of the Methodist College of Education (METCOE) at Akyem Asene-Aboabo in the Akim Oda area to remain hopeful and committed to the teaching profession despite the difficulties they may encounter as they begin their careers.
Speaking at the college’s sixth congregation and graduation ceremony, Mr Acquah said the graduates are entering a profession under considerable pressure, but one that remains essential to the country’s educational development.
“Graduands, let me remind you that you are graduating into a Ghana where the teacher is under pressure, posting delays that are very real, licensure issues and other hardships,” he said.
The MP disclosed that efforts are being made in Parliament to push for timely postings to ensure that trained teachers do not remain unemployed at home after completing their education and professional training.
“I know in Parliament we are fighting very hard for you to be posted on time. You must not stay home after four years of training,” he stated.
Mr Acquah’s remarks highlighted concerns about the transition from teacher training institutions into active service, particularly the difficulties graduates may face while waiting for posting opportunities after completing their programmes.
He stressed that addressing such challenges is important to ensuring that trained teachers can contribute their knowledge and skills to the education system without unnecessary delays.
Despite the difficulties confronting the profession, the former deputy health minister reminded the graduands that teachers remains indispensable to Ghana’s development, noting that the country needs their services more than ever.
“Meanwhile, you are graduating into a Ghana where the teacher is more needed than ever,” he said.
He encouraged them to view their graduation not merely as the completion of an academic journey but as the beginning of a significant responsibility to pupils, parents and society.
Mr Acquah also challenged the graduates to uphold high professional and ethical standards, particularly in their relationships with the children entrusted to their care.
“You, Class of 2025, must be the correction. Go and be the teacher parents can trust with their daughters and sons,” he urged.
His message underscored the importance of integrity, discipline and accountability in teaching, a profession that plays a central role in shaping the character, knowledge and future prospects of young people.
The MP’s call for trustworthy and responsible teachers comes as the graduates prepare to move from the classroom into a profession that requires not only subject knowledge and teaching skills but also patience, dedication and a strong commitment to the welfare of learners.
The sixth congregation and graduation ceremony also coincided with the commissioning of the college’s newly constructed entrance gate and ancillary facilities.
The commissioning marked an additional milestone for the institution as it celebrated the academic achievements of the graduating class and highlighted developments in its physical infrastructure.
The ceremony brought together the college community and other stakeholders to recognise the achievements of the graduands as they prepare to take up their roles in the education sector.
Mr Acquah’s address served as both an acknowledgement of the challenges facing newly trained teachers and an appeal to the graduates to remain committed to their professional responsibilities while efforts continue to address concerns surrounding postings and other difficulties in the sector.
By 1960news.com
