DAMBAI COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (DACE) LAUNCHES HER GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN ACCRA
The Dambai College of Education (DACE) embarked on a momentous journey to the celebration of her Golden Jubilee as she launched the 50th Anniversary festivities in an impressive event. The ceremony was held on Tuesday, 27th February, 2024, at the prestigious Conference Hall of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) in Accra. The occasion was graced by personalities such as the Minister for Education, Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum, the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Tertiary Education, Director-General of Council for Technical and Vocational Educational and Training alongside representatives from pivotal bodies like GTEC, T-TEL, NTC, PRINCOF, and UDS. Other personalities at the function included the Krachi-East Municipal Chief Executive, Principals from Sister Colleges, revered Chiefs from the Oti Region, esteemed Alumni, devoted Staff, and enthusiastic Students of the College to the aura of significance.
The programme, which was held under the theme “50 Years of Modelling Society through Excellent Teacher Education: Successes, Challenges and Prospects,” unfolded with a sense of reflection, celebration and anticipation for the future. Prof. Patrick K. Ofori-Danson, the College Council Chairman, who presided over the event with a sense of pride and gratitude, lauded the remarkable achievements of the College over the decades under the direct management of hard working Principals and their Managements. He underscored the resilience demonstrated by the College in overcoming the challenges encountered over the years. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the myriad stakeholders, including the Government of Ghana, University of Cape Coast (UCC), University for Development Studies (UDS), T-TEL, Right-to-Play, Nananom, the Alumni, and other benevolent organisations and individuals who have contributed to the success of the College. He further outlined the ambitious plans for the College, notable amongst them is the construction of the State-of-the-Art Lecture Hall Complex to symbolize the commitment of the institution’s continuous advancement.
Following the Council Chairman’s address, Dr. (Mrs.) Benedicta Awusi Atiku, the astute Principal of the College, took the stage to offer a poignant reflection on the journey of the Dambai College of Education. With pride, she recounted the milestones achieved, including the professional development of staff, the academic and professional prowess of the staff being demonstrated through their engagement as facilitators on national, regional and local programmes; the innovative initiatives such as abolishing of the dining hall system of feeding students and the introduction of the Canteen Services which later metamorphosed to Doorstep Canteen Services where students are served food right in their Halls of Residence, the prudent use of IGF to put up students halls of residence and laboratories including purchase of two cars with same source of money among others. She also mentioned the establishment of the Nursery Department to cater for the needs of nursing students’ infants so they (students) could conveniently study while their infants are being taken care of at the Nursery. Dr. (Mrs.) Benedicta Awusi Atiku emphasized the invaluable support received from the Government through its agencies such as the Ministry of Education, GTEC, UCC,UDS and other Organization which have played key roles in fostering the College’s growth and transformation into a beacon of lifelong learning. Furthermore, she commended the unwavering support of the Chiefs and people of Dambai and the Chonke Traditional Area as well as the dedicated Faculty, students, Alumni and all the past Principals and their Managements for the instrumental roles they played and continue to play in shaping generations of educators. Acknowledging the generosity of donors and supporters, she rallied all present to join hands in commemorating the forthcoming Anniversary festivities.
Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, goodwill messages resonated from distinguished guests, including the Chairman of PRINCOF, representatives of T-TEL, and the delegation from the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, reaffirming their commitment to the College’s noble Mission and pledging continued support in its endeavours.
Marking a pivotal moment of the celebration, was the unveiling of the 50th Anniversary ceremonial cloth, which was done by the Hon. Minister for Education, Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum. He ceased the opportunity to deliver a stirring address that resonated deeply with all in attendance. He recounted a series of commendable achievements spearheaded by the Government in the Education Sector, which included the establishment of STEM Schools, reintroduction of Teacher Trainees’ Allowances and the Construction 300 Bed Capacity Halls of Residence across all the 46 College of Education.
He further urged the students to hold the spirit of their alma mater close to their hearts, recognizing it as a beacon of hope and opportunity. Drawing from his own life experiences, the Minister shared anecdotes of resilience, perseverance and triumph to inspire and empower the junior members of the College. The Minister concluded his speech by also pledging his unwavering support for the Dambai College of Education, reaffirming his commitment to the development of the College. Notable amongst his pledges was his assurance for the completion of the College Access Road project and the inclusion of DACE as one of the Colleges to be granted Autonomy very soon. He finally promised to attend grand durbar of the 50th Anniversary.
This celebration of a significant milestone stands as a testimony to the transformative power of education and collective spirit of its community. With renewed vigor and unwavering dedication, the institution looks forward to the next chapter of excellence, innovation, and service to the society as it awaits the Grand Celebration.
