
Ghana has many Colleges of Education that train teachers for basic schools. These colleges play an important role in shaping the future of education in the country. While all the colleges contribute to teacher training, some stand out because of their excellent teaching, strong facilities, and long history of producing quality teachers. This article looks at the top 10 best Colleges of Education in Ghana based on their achievements, facilities, and the quality of tuition they provide.
These top 10 Colleges of Education in Ghana stand out because of their strong academic performance, good learning environments, experienced tutors, and rich histories. They continue to shape the future of Ghana’s education system by producing well-trained, confident, and professional teachers. If you are planning to become a teacher in Ghana, any of these colleges would be a great choice.
Here are the top 10 Best Colleges of Education in Ghana:
- Offinso College of Education
- Abetifi College of Education
- Accra College of Education
- Ada College of Education
- Agogo Presbyterian College of Education
- Akatsi College of Education
- Ola College of Education
- St. Louis College of Education
- St. Francis College of Education
- Wesley College of Education
1. Offinso College of Education
Offinso College of Education was established in 1955. It is located in Offinso in the Ashanti Region. The college has a strong history of producing qualified and competent teachers.
The college is known for performing well in national examinations and producing graduates who excel in the classroom. It has also participated in various national teaching and academic competitions. Offinso College of Education is the Best College of Education in Ghana, partly because it led all others by producing an impressive 59 first-class graduates during the 2023 graduation ceremony, earning its place at the top of this rankings.
Offinso College has modern lecture halls, a well-equipped ICT lab, and a good library. The tutors are experienced and dedicated, helping students become confident and skilled teachers. The teaching practice program is also well-organised.
Currently, the college offers three main programs: The Three-Year Diploma in Basic Education, available to level 300 regular students; the Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree in Basic Education, which includes specialised tracks such as B.Ed Primary Education, B.Ed J.H.S Education (Geography and History), B.Ed J.H.S Education (RME and Music), and B.Ed J.H.S Education (English and Ghanaian Language); and the Five-Semester Sandwich Program, run in collaboration with the University of Cape Coast, offering B.Ed Arts and B.Ed Home Economics.
2. Abetifi College of Education
Founded in 1952, Abetifi College of Education is located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The college has a long-standing reputation for discipline and academic excellence.
It has consistently produced high-performing graduates. The college is known for its focus on both academic and professional teacher development. It often ranks among the best in teacher certification exams. Abetifi Presbyterian College of Education secured 22 first-class honours during the 2023 graduation ceremony, demonstrating its dedication to high academic standards.
The school has hostels, a science lab, and well-structured lecture halls. The quality of tuition is high, emphasising practical teaching methods and educational research. Abetifi Presbyterian College of Education is one of Ghana’s leading institutions dedicated to providing quality teacher education and training for basic-level educators.
Affiliated with the University of Cape Coast, the college boasts six academic departments: languages, Social Sciences, Education Studies, Sciences, Mathematics and ICT, and Vocational Studies. Over the past 70 years, the college has trained over 20,000 teachers who have made significant contributions to Ghana’s development. Many of these graduates have excelled in their careers and can be found in various sectors both within the country and around the world, making a lasting impact on education and beyond.
3. Accra College of Education
Accra College of Education was established in 1902, making it one of the oldest teacher training institutions in Ghana. It is located in the capital city, Accra.
It has a strong academic reputation and has produced many top-level educators and education leaders in the country. The college is also involved in educational research and innovation.It boasts modern computer labs, libraries, and smart classrooms. The teaching is technology-driven, and students receive mentorship from well-trained lecturers.
Accra College of Education offers a range of academic departments, including Languages, Science, Social Science, Mathematics & ICT, Education Studies, Home Economics, Early Childhood Education, and Visual Arts. These departments collectively contribute to the development of well-rounded educators, each specialised in their respective fields, to ensure comprehensive teacher training at various levels.
The college provides several educational programs aimed at different levels of teaching. These programs include Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, and Junior High School (JHS) Education. Through these programs, the college trains students to become competent teachers who can effectively contribute to the education system at various stages.
In addition to the academic departments, the college operates nine non-academic departments and units that support the institution’s smooth operation. These include Central Administration, Internal Audit, Library, Catering, Works and Estates, Finance and Accounts, Laboratory, Security, Sanitation and General Labour, Procurement and Stores, and Transport and ICT. These units work behind the scenes to ensure that the campus runs efficiently and that both staff and students have the necessary support for their day-to-day activities.
The college’s operations are sustained by a dedicated workforce, with a total staff strength of 121. Of this number, 54 are academic staff, responsible for delivering quality education, while 67 are non-academic staff, ensuring that all non-teaching functions are effectively managed.
4. Ada College of Education
Established in 1965, Ada College of Education is in the Greater Accra Region. The college has grown steadily over the years and has become one of the respected institutions for teacher education.
It has improved its academic performance and student discipline over the years. The school participates in national workshops and teacher improvement programs. Ada College of Education celebrates a remarkable achievement, having produced 35 first-class graduates during the 2023 graduation ceremony. This success highlights its commitment to academic excellence.
The college has improved infrastructure, such as classrooms, dormitories, and science labs. The teaching staff are committed to student success, and the learning environment is supportive. Ada College of Education offers the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) programs in Primary Education and Junior High School (JHS) Education.
The general admission requirements for the B.Ed program are as follows:
For WASSCE holders, candidates must have credit passes (A1-C6) in six subjects, including three core subjects—English Language, Core Mathematics, and one other—and three elective subjects relevant to the chosen course of study. SSSCE holders must have passes (A-D) in six subjects, including the same three core subjects and three elective subjects that are related to the program.
In addition to the regular programs, Ada College of Education has partnered with both the Centre for Distance Education at the University of Cape Coast and the Jackson Education Complex (affiliated with the University of Education, Winneba) to serve as a distance learning center. This collaboration provides an opportunity for students who could not be admitted into the regular program to pursue teacher training through distance education.
Graduates of Ada College of Education have continued to excel in various sectors of society, making notable contributions in academia, public and civil service, the security services, business, and politics. Their success is a testament to the college’s commitment to quality teacher education and training.
5. Agogo Presbyterian College of Education
Founded in 1931, Agogo Presbyterian College of Education is located in Agogo in the Ashanti Region. It is one of the most respected colleges due to its Presbyterian background and strict academic culture.
The college has consistently performed well in teaching practice evaluations and teacher certification exams. It also promotes moral and ethical training in education.
It has excellent boarding facilities, libraries, and staff accommodation. The tuition is well-structured and rooted in Christian values, which support discipline and commitment to excellence.
6. Akatsi College of Education
Established in 1963, Akatsi College of Education is located in the Volta Region. It was originally a male-only school but later became co-educational.
The college is known for promoting inclusive education and has produced teachers for rural and urban communities. It has improved its academic performance over the years.
The college has an ICT centre, a modern science lab, and student hostels. Tutors focus on practical learning and mentoring, which makes the training effective and engaging.
7. Ola College of Education
Ola College of Education was founded in 1924 and is located in Cape Coast in the Central Region. It was originally established by Catholic missionaries for training female teachers.
It is one of the best-performing female colleges in Ghana and continues to maintain a strong academic record. Many of its alumni have become school leaders. Ola College of Education made an impressive mark by producing 52 first-class graduates during the 2023 graduation ceremony, securing its position among the top-ranked Colleges of Education in Ghana.
It has excellent lecture halls, ICT labs, and a peaceful campus environment. The college provides quality tuition with a focus on discipline, leadership, and academic excellence.
8. St. Louis College of Education
St. Louis College of Education is located in Kumasi and was established in 1960. It is a female-only Catholic college known for discipline and academic excellence. St. Louis College of Education achieved an outstanding milestone by producing 33 first-class graduates during the 2023 graduation ceremony, reflecting its dedication to academic excellence.
The college often tops teacher exams and is known for producing professional and well-prepared teachers. The college has good boarding facilities, a modern library, and science labs. The teaching staff are well-qualified, and students receive strong academic and moral training.
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The College runs a 4-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) programs that offer specialised tracks including B.Ed Early Grade Education, B.Ed Upper Primary Education, and B.Ed Junior High School (JHS) Education, with a focus on Languages and Home Economics. These programs are designed to equip future educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach at various levels of basic education, from early grade through to upper primary and junior high school.
9. St. Francis College of Education
St. Francis College of Education, also called FRANCO, was founded in 1931 and is located in Hohoe in the Volta Region. It has a strong Catholic foundation. St. Francis College of Education earned recognition by producing 32 first-class graduates during the 2023 graduation ceremony, highlighting its strong academic performance.
FRANCO has produced thousands of teachers and continues to maintain high academic standards. It has won several awards in education and academic excellence. The college has modern lecture theatres, computer labs, and staff quarters. Students enjoy a high standard of tuition and mentorship, supported by the Catholic tradition of discipline.
10. Wesley College of Education
Wesley College, popularly known as WESCO, was founded in 1922 in Kumasi. It is one of the oldest teacher training colleges in Ghana.
WESCO has a long history of excellence and is known for its strict academic culture. It has produced many notable educators and school administrators. Wesley College of Education recorded an impressive 29 first-class graduates during the 2023 graduation ceremony, showcasing its commitment to quality teacher education.
The college has updated its facilities, including ICT labs, lecture halls, and staff accommodation. The tutors are experienced, and the training includes both theory and practical teaching.