Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) College of Education in Cape Coast marked its historic 100th-year milestone in the training of exemplary women educators in Ghana. The centennial celebration, graced by renowned academics, political figures, clergy, and traditional leaders, was an ode to the institution's rich legacy and enduring impact.
Established in 1924 by Catholic nuns at the Saint Mary's Covent School in Cape Coast, OLA College of Education holds the distinction of being the first women's teachers' college in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa. From its humble beginnings with just six students, the college has evolved into a prestigious training institution, shaping the educational landscape by producing thousands of female teachers over the decades.
To commemorate its centenary, the college embarked on noble initiatives, including the launch of a journal and an endowment fund to provide scholarships for science and maths education students. The anniversary festivities also featured tributes to past principals and staff, honouring their invaluable contributions to the institution's growth and success.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Samira Bawumia, the Second Lady, lauded OLA College for its pivotal role in nurturing generations of outstanding educators. She underscored the significance of teacher education in shaping the future of society, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that fosters critical thinking, empathy, creativity, and resilience in students.
Dr. Regina Okyere-Dankwa, Principal of OLA College of Education, reaffirmed the institution's commitment to excellence and service to humanity. Expressing her vision to elevate the college to the pinnacle of educational distinction, she appealed to the government to consider the institution's transition into a fully-fledged university to further expand its impact.
However, Dr. Okyere-Dankwa also highlighted pressing challenges facing the college, including infrastructural deficits, water crises, and hefty electricity bills. She called upon stakeholders, including government, NGOs, and philanthropic organizations, to support the college in addressing these critical needs, such as investing in solar energy and infrastructure development.
In her remarks, Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, a former pro-vice chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), emphasized the importance of continuous professional development for teachers to meet the evolving demands of 21st-century education.