Can you believe that Wesley College of Education started with just 74 students? Today, we’re standing before a place that has shaped the lives of over fifteen thousand teachers. It’s a legacy that began in 1922. Wesley College of Education stands as a beacon of teacher training in Ghana.
Initially, the Methodist Church founded it to train teachers, catechists, and ministers. The college has adapted over the years to meet the evolving needs of Ghana’s education system. Wesley College of Education has relocated a couple of times. It first moved from Cape Coast and Fourah Bay to Aburi. Then, it found its permanent home here in Kumasi in the 1920s.
Nana Yaw Dabanka and his elders gifted the land to the Methodist Church. This act of generosity paved the way for the college’s establishment. Imagine this area as a dense forest. In 1922, the foundation stone for the main block was laid. Each member of the Gold Coast Methodist Church contributed five shillings to construct the building. The Methodist Church in England also contributed generously. Mr Knight and Mr Brew supported the construction, too.
Wesley College officially opened in Kumasi on March 3 1924. It became the first higher institution in the northern sector of the Gold Coast. The initial group of students included teacher candidates, ministers, and catechists. In 1930, Wesley College of Education admitted its first female students. They lived at Mmofraturo before joining the men on the college compound.
Wesley College has upgraded its courses over the years. It went from 2-year Cert ‘B’ to the 4-year B.Ed degree. Currently, the college offers a 4-year B.Ed degree in Primary Education and JHS Education. Wesley College of Education offers special programs for the visually impaired. This inclusive approach makes it a unique institution in Ghana.
The college has produced many prominent figures in Ghana. Kofi Abrefa Busia, a former Prime Minister, is among its alumni. The college has had nine principals since its beginning. Mrs Charlotte Rockson has been the head since 2016.
To get into Wesley College of Education, applicants need to meet specific requirements. WASSCE holders need credit passes in six subjects. This includes English and Mathematics. The cut-off point for the 2022/2023 academic year was an aggregate of 30.
Wesley College of Education has a student population of over 1,254. The college has a rich history and continues to play a vital role in education. Wesley College of Education is more than just a college. It is a symbol of dedication, progress, and community spirit. As we conclude our visit, remember the countless teachers who’ve walked these halls. Their impact extends far beyond these walls.