The Principal of Suntreso Technical Institute, Mr. Ebenezer Quarcoo, has expressed grave concern over the absence of boarding facilities at the school, warning that the situation is preventing many prospective students from enrolling despite having secured admission. According to him, the lack of such facilities has become a major setback to the institute’s vision of expanding access to technical and vocational education in the Ashanti Region.
Speaking at the school’s 33rd Graduation Ceremony held in Kumasi under the theme “Quality TVET Skills for All, A Key Factor for Youth Employability, Excellence and Innovation,” Mr. Quarcoo explained that many students, particularly those from distant communities, are compelled to withdraw because of the difficulty in commuting daily. He stressed that if Suntreso Technical Institute is elevated to boarding status, enrolment would increase significantly, providing more young people with the opportunity to acquire employable skills through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“Suntreso Technical Institute is the pride of the Bantama Constituency as it is the only TVET school located here. We therefore appeal to the Government to urgently upgrade our facilities and elevate the school to boarding status to increase TVET enrolment and give this Institute the dignity it deserves,” Mr. Quarcoo stated.
The Principal further lamented that the school continues to struggle with inadequate classrooms, workshops, laboratories, toilet facilities, and classroom furniture. He also expressed concern about the absence of a fence wall, which has not only exposed the school to land encroachment but also created security threats for both staff and students. Mr. Quarcoo appealed to the Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Richard Ofori Agyemang, popularly known as Zuba, to include Suntreso Technical Institute in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly’s infrastructure expansion programme to help provide additional classrooms, workshops, and furniture while securing the school’s land for future development.
In a goodwill message delivered at the ceremony, Nana Antwi Bosiako, Chief of Homabenase and a senior member of the Kumasi Traditional Council, encouraged parents to urge their wards to take advantage of opportunities in technical and vocational education. He reiterated that TVET remains one of the most reliable avenues for addressing youth unemployment, driving innovation, and accelerating national development.
The 33rd Graduation Ceremony, which brought together parents, students, traditional leaders, and education stakeholders, was not only a moment to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class but also a platform to draw attention to the urgent infrastructural challenges facing Suntreso Technical Institute. Stakeholders agreed that investing in TVET remains crucial for equipping Ghana’s youth with employable skills and securing a brighter future for the nation.
