Two bodies to screen applicants to training schools

Bimbilla (Northern Region), 18th June --

The Ghana Education Service (GES), in conjunction with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), is in the process of developing an aptitude test for all applicants to teacher training institutions.

The test is to enable the service to screen and retain only applicants who are likely to undertake the full teacher-training course and remain in the teaching field.

Professor Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi, Director-General of the GES, announced this at Bimbilla on Tuesday when he addressed the staff and students of Bimbilla Training College.

Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi and Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, Deputy Minister of Education, were in the Nanumba district as part of a tour of six former conflict areas of the Northern region to see how schools there are recovering from the adverse effects of the 1994 ethnic conflict.

They are East Gonja, Nanumba, Saboba-Chereponi, Zabzugu-Tatale, Yendi and Gushegu-Karaga.

Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi said the screening exercise had become necessary to stop trainee teachers from abandoning their courses mid-stream.

"We will no longer allow our training colleges to be used as stepping stones by people who have no interest in the teaching profession and we shall all ensure that bonds are signed."

Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi also announced that the GES would embark on the "general expansion" of training colleges since the 6,000 teachers turned out annually are inadequate.

Mr Marshall Adam, Principal of Bimbilla Training College, said the school, with a population of 617 students, has only 18 teachers which does not augur well for effective teaching.

He attributed the inadequate staffing position to lack of accommodation and the state of insecurity engendered by the ethnic conflict.

But the good news is that six teachers' bungalows will be constructed as part of a sponsored programme to rehabilitate and expand existing facilities in all the 38 training colleges in the country.

In addition to the staff bungalows, a new boys' dormitory, three additional classrooms, a laboratory block, bathhouse and two KVIPs will be provided.

Mr Adam commended the district assembly for putting up a demonstration school for the college.

GRi?/