Wesley College of Education (WESCO), one of Ghana’s oldest and most respected teacher training institutions, has marked a major milestone by graduating 450 Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) students during its 16th Congregation Ceremony in Kumasi. The event also served as a launchpad for the college’s new strategic direction — a bold embrace of artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative force in teacher education.
Held under the theme “Transforming Teacher Education with AI: Advancing the WESCO Agenda for Excellence,” the ceremony blended tradition with innovation as WESCO signaled its commitment to equipping future teachers with the tools and mindset to thrive in a digital world.
A Call to Lead Through Innovation
Delivering a powerful keynote address, Associate Professor Kofi Sarpong Adu-Manu of the University of Ghana charged the graduates to take the lead in redefining the classroom using AI and other emerging technologies. “AI will not change Ghana; you will,” he declared. “Teachers must become AI-literate, ethically conscious, and ready to integrate technology to enhance learning.”
He emphasized that in a world rapidly evolving with digital solutions, the role of the teacher is becoming even more essential — not just to teach, but to guide learners in critically engaging with technology. He further urged the graduates to use AI tools to improve access to quality education, create inclusive learning experiences, and reach marginalized students.
Prof. Adu-Manu lauded WESCO’s collaborative efforts with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), particularly its AI-enabled mentoring initiative, which has trained 100 student-teachers and 25 mentors to create inclusive Open Educational Resources (OERs). According to him, this initiative places WESCO among the forward-thinking institutions in Africa leading the charge toward AI-enhanced education.
Principal’s Vision: Excellence Rooted in Innovation and Inclusion
The Principal of Wesley College of Education, Dr. Kennedy Ameyaw Baah, reaffirmed the college’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in teacher education.
He highlighted significant progress made in the past academic year, noting that the number of PhD holders on staff has risen from six to twelve, with 30 additional faculty members currently pursuing doctoral studies. Dr. Baah also announced the college’s receipt of a CAD 19,000 grant from COL’s STEM Project, aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into WESCO’s teacher training programs. “WESCO is not just responding to change — we are driving it,” he said. “We are committed to producing educators who are globally competitive, locally relevant, and technologically empowered.”
In line with its inclusive education policy, Dr. Baah noted that WESCO has continued to support 23 visually impaired students through tailored academic and welfare interventions. He stressed that no student should be left behind in the pursuit of quality teacher education.
Infrastructure and Development
Dr. Baah shared updates on key infrastructure projects currently underway to support WESCO’s expansion and strategic goals. These include the construction of a 2,000-seat ultra-modern auditorium, a 300-bed hostel funded by GETFund, and a staff bungalow sponsored by Ghana Gas. However, he appealed for urgent support from the government and stakeholders to complete a new lecture complex and provide reliable transportation for teacher trainees.
Academic Excellence on Display
Out of the 450 graduating students, a remarkable 256 achieved First Class Honours, while 183 earned Second Class Upper Division, and 11 graduated with Second Class Lower. The strong academic results reflect the hard work of the students and the dedication of the faculty.
Prof. Adu-Manu described the occasion as “The WESCO Moment”, signifying a turning point where the college’s legacy of producing top-tier educators meets the future of technology-enhanced teaching. “This is the birth of a new kind of teacher — one who teaches not just with chalk and board, but with code and compassion,” he said.
Pioneering a Future-Focused Educational Model
As WESCO graduates step into classrooms across the country, they carry more than just certificates — they carry a vision for a smarter, more inclusive, and more innovative educational system. The college’s integration of AI into its curriculum, commitment to inclusive learning, and focus on academic excellence are setting a new benchmark for teacher education in Ghana.
The 16th Congregation of Wesley College of Education will be remembered as the day the institution not only graduated educators but also ignited a movement — one that boldly positions teachers at the heart of an AI-powered transformation in education.
