Mahama Cuts Sod for Bole College of Education, Announces Major Development Projects for Savannah Region
President John Dramani Mahama has officially cut sod for the construction of the long-awaited Bole College of Education in the Savannah Region, describing the initiative as a major step toward expanding access to tertiary education in northern Ghana. The ceremony formed part of his “Resetting Ghana Tour,” during which he announced several key development projects aimed at transforming the Savannah Region.
According to President Mahama, the establishment of the college fulfills a long-standing vision that began during his time as Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi. He noted that the lack of higher educational institutions in the area has over the years forced many students to travel far from home to pursue teacher education.
Structures to Be Constructed at Bole College of Education
The Bole College of Education project will feature several modern educational and residential facilities designed to support effective teaching and learning. The planned structures include:
- Modern classroom blocks
- Lecture halls
- Science and ICT laboratories
- Administration block
- Library complex
- Auditorium
- Male and female students’ hostels
- Dining hall and kitchen facilities
- Staff bungalows and accommodation
- Assembly grounds and recreational areas
- Sanitation and water facilities
- Internal road network and landscaping
The institution is expected to admit approximately 1,500 students upon completion and will serve as one of the major teacher training institutions in northern Ghana.
President Mahama emphasized that the project is being funded through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) after previous attempts to execute the project stalled due to funding difficulties.
Additional Development Projects Announced
Beyond the college project, President Mahama announced several major interventions planned for the Savannah Region. These include:
1. STEM Secondary School at Tinga
A modern Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) senior high school will be constructed in Tinga to improve science and technology education in the region.
2. TVET Centre at Kulmasa
Government plans to establish a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre at Kulmasa to equip young people with practical employable skills.
3. Savannah University of Science and Technology
President Mahama also disclosed plans for a proposed University of Science and Technology to further expand tertiary education opportunities in the region.
4. Healthcare Infrastructure
The Tinga Health Centre will be upgraded into a polyclinic, while the Bole Hospital is expected to be transformed into a modern 160-bed district hospital.
5. Road Infrastructure
Government will continue work on major road networks including:
- Wenchi–Bamboi–Bole–Sawla Road
- Bole–Chache Road linking Ghana to Côte d’Ivoire
6. Modern 24-Hour Market
A new 24-hour market project for Bole is also expected to include:
- Warehouses
- Fire station
- Police station
- Daycare centre
- Modern trading spaces
Residents Welcome the Initiative
Traditional leaders, residents, and stakeholders in the Savannah Region have welcomed the announcement, describing the projects as transformational initiatives capable of improving education, healthcare, transportation, and economic development in the area.
Many residents believe the Bole College of Education in particular will create employment opportunities, boost local businesses, and reduce the burden on students who travel outside the region for teacher education.
The commencement of the project marks another significant educational infrastructure investment in northern Ghana as government seeks to bridge development gaps across the country.