“Teachers Are Nation Builders” – Dr. Clement Apaak Rallies Support at OLA College Graduation

Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Clement Apaak highlights the vital role of teachers in national development at OLA College of Education’s 17th Congregation and underscores the significance of the No Fees Stress policy in transforming teacher education access.

“Teachers Shape the Future” — Dr. Clement Apaak at OLA College’s 17th Congregation

At the 17th Congregation ceremony of OLA College of Education in Cape Coast, the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, delivered a heartfelt call to action to Ghanaian teachers, emphasizing their unmatched role in building the nation’s future.

“Teachers are not just instructors; they are nation builders,” Dr. Apaak stated, urging educators to continue impacting lives through their dedication to shaping minds and values.

🎓 OLA College of Education: A Pillar of Teacher Training

The graduation saw the conferment of diplomas on 490 student teachers, with 136 graduating with First Class honours — a strong testament to the institution’s academic standards. Full graduation statistics here.

OLA College, affiliated with the University of Cape Coast, has long been recognized as one of the top Catholic Colleges of Education in Ghana, producing a generation of dedicated female educators who serve across the country.

💸 No Fees Stress Policy Is a Game Changer

Dr. Apaak reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable access to tertiary education through the No Fees Stress Policy, officially launched by President John Mahama. The policy covers academic fees for over 40,000 validated first-year students, with more than 175,000 accessing the portal to date.

“The ‘No Fees Stress’ initiative eliminates financial bottlenecks that have historically prevented qualified students from accessing teacher education. It’s a cornerstone of equity in education,” Dr. Apaak emphasized.

Read more about the No Fees Stress Policy

🔗 Internal Links for Further Reading

• Holy Child College Graduates 328 Student Teachers
• GETFund Allocation to SLTF Increases to GHC150m
• GES Recruitment 2025 Guidelines and Portal
• Affiliated Colleges and Their Universities

🌍 External Authoritative Links

• Ministry of Education – Ghana
• Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF)
• University of Cape Coast
• National Teaching Council (NTC)

🎯 Conclusion

Dr. Clement Apaak’s address at OLA College is a powerful reminder of the value Ghana places on its educators. As the Education Strategic Plan (2018–2030) pushes for inclusive, equitable, and quality education, policies like No Fees Stress and institutions like OLA College of Education are at the forefront of transforming the teaching profession.