Govt absorbs St. Matthew Technical Vocational Institute

Government has absorbed the St. Matthew Technical Vocational Institute at Paga-Bayono in the Kassena-Nankana West District, converting it into a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution.

It is to begin operations in the 2026/2027 academic year.

The Institute, initiated by Reverend Father Albert Wuuga, a Catholic Priest and Founder of Sharing God's Blessing, Ghana, with support from the Follman Family in honour of the late Mathew David Follman, an American philanthropist, will now function as both a boarding and day school under the public system.

The announcement was made by Rev. Fr. Wuuga during a visit to the facility by Pe Denis Belinia Aniakwa Adda Asagpare II, the Paramount Chief of the Navrongo Traditional Area.

Rev. Fr. Wuuga explained that the inclusion of the school into the public education framework was the result of prolonged engagement with relevant authorities.

“This has not been an easy journey, but we are grateful that approval has finally been secured for the school to run as a TVET institution with boarding status,” he said.

He indicated that academic work would commence with three programmes, Electrical Installation, Welding and Fabrication, and Hospitality Management, when the school admits its pioneer students in September 2026.

He acknowledged the contributions of the Paramount Chief of Navrongo Traditional Area and the Minister of Education, noting that their intervention was crucial in ensuring the successful transition of the school into the government system.

The school infrastructure, completed in 2022, includes classrooms, dormitories, staff accommodation, an assembly hall, a kitchen, sanitation facilities, and a reliable water system supported by mechanised boreholes, all within a secured compound.

The project forms part of broader development efforts led by Rev. Fr. Wuuga in the community, including the establishment of a basic school and a health facility to improve access to education and healthcare.

In a related development, residents of Paga-Bayono and members of the Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM), a non-partisan youth movement, which has long been advocating for the school to be absorbed expressed appreciation to the Paramount Chief for his advocacy in securing government support for the school.

At a durbar held at the Paga-Bayono, community members described the development as a significant breakthrough after years of anticipation following the completion of the facility.

Mr Frederick Wuuga, the Vice president of PAYOM, speaking on behalf of Mr Wenawome D. Aborah, the PAYOM president, said the youth movement and the community has persistently pushed for the operationalisation of the school.

“We have advocated for this moment. The school was ready, but we needed government support to make it functional. Today, that effort has paid off,” he added

He commended all individuals and groups who contributed to the realisation of the goal, describing the takeover as a major opportunity for the youth in the area to acquire employable skills.

The Paramount Chief praised the quality of the infrastructure and the vision behind the project, stating that the institute would serve as a centre for practical skills training and youth empowerment.

The move is expected to enhance access to technical education in the district and contribute to efforts aimed at addressing youth unemployment through skills development.

GNA