The Principal of the College of Technology Education, Kumasi (COLTEK) Prof. Reynolds Okai has a paid courtesy call on the Ashanti Regional Minister, Honourable Peter Ananfi-Mensah. The visit was to introduce himself to the Regional Minister as the new Principal for COLTEK and also congratulate the Honourable Regional Minister for his appointment to the high office of the region. The two officers interacted and discussed a range of issues.

Prof. Okai presented few issues and programmes he intends to embark as part of his vision for the College.  He also enumerated some of the challenges confronting the College and pleaded with the Honourable Minister to help address them.

Among the challenges he mentioned were inadequate equipment for the practical training of the students in Technical and Vocational education. The Principal reiterated that Technical and Vocational education is the engine for growth of every economy and must be given priority and prompt attention.

Prof. Okai also mentioned that another challenge facing the College is the constant knocking down of students and staff on the Kumasi-Sunyani highway in front of the main gate.  He appealed to the Minister to see to the construction of overhead bridge or walkway to ensure the safety of its members and the public as a whole. Prof. Okai made a special appeal to the Regional Minister to assist the College to furnish a police station project which is under construction under sponsorship by the TAED Foundation, a Non- Governmental Organisation.

Prof. Okai hinted that, soon an office responsible for liaison between the industry and the College will be established.  The Office will be in charge of finding suitable placement of industrial attachment for students in Technical and Vocational Education.  He appealed to the Minister to donate a vehicle to facilitate the operations of the Office when it is eventually established.

The Principal gave the state and stage of works on the Conference Centre currently under construction on the COLTEK Campus.  He appealed to the Minister to use his office to help expedite action on the project. This will enable the College avoid any inconvenience caused by rains and other adverse weather conditions when programmes are in session.

The honourable Minister in his response intimated that education is one of his top priorities and was ready to assist in any way possible to develop and improve upon it. He advocated for complete paradigm shift in the educational system in Ghana. “The education system in Ghana needs complete overhaul”, he stated.  He stressed the need to place much emphasis on practical training. He praised the College for the introduction of Competency-Based Training (CBT) which will go a long way in addressing some challenges facing the education system.                                 

He also stressed the need for all students to be trained to be creative and add value to themselves to enable them come out with innovative approaches in solving the challenges facing the country especially the energy crisis and graduate unemployment.

He encouraged the College to help shape policies on education by putting forward proposals that will help policy makers move in the right direction for education in Ghana.

The Principal was accompanied by the College Registrar, Mr. Michael Kofi Adu and the Senior Assistant Registrar, University Relations, Mr. M. K. Twum-Ampomah.