Govt would ensure quality tertiary education

Accra, April 16 GNA- Mr. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports on Friday said government would ensure tertiary education in Ghana was strengthened to meet challenges of the global economy.

He said the Government through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETfund) was therefore, making provision for accommodation, equipment and training of teaching staff in the tertiary institutions. Mr. Baah-Wiredu was speaking at this year's Matriculation of the Institute Of Professional Studies (IPS) at Legon, near Accra.

A total of 525 students, made up of 373 men and 153 women were admitted this year.

Mr William B. Dapaah, Registrar of the Institute, administered the matriculation oath.

Mr. Baah-Wiredu said provision of these facilities would not only create conducive academic environment but enhance teaching, learning and research.

He said the private sector, as the engine of growth of the economy required quality business professionals as partners in the development process of the economy.

"We need well qualified accounting, marketing and management professionals in every sector of the economy and the country will largely depend on this institute for these professionals," he said. Reverend Father Joseph J. Martey, Director of IPS said the Institute now had 1,114, out of which 71 per cent were men and 29 per cent, women. He said only 54.4 per cent of the students were residents because the Institute had poor and inadequate residential facilities.

Rev Fr. Martey said the institute was re-positioning itself by undertaking research, publications and management consultancy in addition to its traditional role of professional training.

He announced that the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) examining body had set up a Research Chair for the Institute.