The History of Dambai College of Education
Dambai College of Education (DACE) is one of Ghana’s public teacher-training institutions, situated in Dambai, the capital of the Oti Region. The college has played a vital role in teacher education and national development since its establishment. DACE was founded on 28th August 1974 by the Government of Ghana as part of a nationwide policy to expand teacher education to meet the growing demand for trained teachers across the country. Initially, it began with a modest student population and a small number of staff members, operating under limited facilities.
The college was originally designed to train Certificate “A” teachers, who would be deployed to teach in basic schools across Ghana. Over the years, DACE evolved both structurally and academically, upgrading its curriculum and facilities to meet modern educational standards. The enactment of the Colleges of Education Act, 2012 (Act 847) transformed all teacher training colleges, including DACE, into tertiary institutions with full academic autonomy to run diploma and degree-level programs in teacher education.
Growth and Development
Over the decades, Dambai College of Education has witnessed tremendous growth in infrastructure, staff development, and student enrollment. The college has participated in several educational reforms, including the Transforming Teacher Education and Learning (T-TEL) program — a national initiative aimed at improving the quality of teacher education in Ghana through innovative teaching methods and institutional management.
Today, DACE boasts well-equipped lecture halls, a modern ICT laboratory, science laboratories, a library, and student hostels. The institution continues to maintain its reputation as a center for academic discipline, moral integrity, and professional excellence.
Affiliated Universities and Mentorship
In the early years, Dambai College of Education was affiliated with the University of Cape Coast (UCC), which was responsible for moderating examinations and awarding certificates to graduates. This affiliation ensured that DACE’s academic programs met national tertiary education standards.
Following the nationwide reorganization of Colleges of Education in Ghana, the college’s affiliation was later transferred to the University for Development Studies (UDS). The shift aligned with the government’s plan to decentralize teacher education and assign clusters of colleges to Ghana’s five main mentoring universities — UCC, UDS, University of Education, Winneba (UEW), University of Ghana (UG), and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Under UDS mentorship, DACE now runs the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree programs that integrate content mastery, pedagogy, and practical teaching experience to produce competent and reflective professional teachers.
Courses and Departments
Dambai College of Education offers a wide range of programs designed to prepare teachers for Ghana’s pre-tertiary education system. The main academic program currently offered is the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in various specializations.
The college operates through several academic departments:
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Department of Education Studies – focuses on professional pedagogy, classroom management, and child development.
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Department of Mathematics and ICT – emphasizes mathematics education, computing skills, and digital literacy.
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Department of Science – trains students in basic and integrated science teaching.
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Department of Social Sciences – includes geography, history, and social studies education.
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Department of Languages – offers English language, Ghanaian languages, and literacy education.
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Department of Vocational and Technical Education – covers practical training in home economics and technical skills.
Each department contributes to the holistic development of teacher trainees, ensuring they acquire the competencies needed for Ghana’s basic education sector.
DACE also runs Sandwich and Distance Education programs, designed for in-service teachers who wish to upgrade their qualifications.
Notable Tutors and Academic Leadership
Over the years, Dambai College of Education has produced and attracted outstanding educators who have contributed immensely to teacher education in Ghana.
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Dr. (Mrs.) Benedicta Awusi Atiku, the Principal of the college, is a distinguished educationist known for her leadership in academic and institutional reforms.
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Mr. Eric Austro Kwame Gozah, Head of Mathematics and ICT Department, has been instrumental in promoting digital literacy and numeracy education.
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Mrs. Richlove Sylvia Nortey, Head of the Department of Education Studies, has contributed significantly to the enhancement of professional teacher development and research.
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Mr. Issaka Somaila Banse, a science tutor, is recognized for his long service and dedication to science education.
These and other staff members continue to uphold the college’s vision of producing disciplined, competent, and innovative teachers for national service.
Recent Developments and Achievements
In recent years, Dambai College of Education has made notable strides in academic research, infrastructure, and student welfare. The college has introduced an academic journal to promote research among staff and students and has established a strong reputation for maintaining discipline and academic rigor.
DACE continues to play a leading role in regional education initiatives, collaborating with the Ghana Education Service and other agencies to enhance basic education in the Oti Region and beyond. Its participation in nationwide educational conferences and innovation fairs demonstrates its growing national influence.
Conclusion
Dambai College of Education remains a cornerstone of teacher education in Ghana. From its humble beginnings in 1974 to its current status as a tertiary institution affiliated with the University for Development Studies, DACE has consistently fulfilled its mandate of training competent teachers for the nation. With dedicated staff, a strong leadership team, and an evolving curriculum aligned with global standards, the college continues to shape the future of education in Ghana.
References
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Dambai College of Education Official Website – https://www.dace.edu.gh
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Colleges of Education Act, 2012 (Act 847), Republic of Ghana.
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University of Cape Coast, Memorandum of Understanding with Colleges of Education (2012).
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University for Development Studies (UDS) Affiliation Reports, Ministry of Education (2019).
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Transforming Teacher Education and Learning (T-TEL) Ghana Project Reports, 2015–2020.
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Ghana News Agency (2023). “Dambai College of Education holds 14th Congregation.”
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Wikipedia: Dambai College of Education (accessed November 2025).
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National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE), “Mentorship Structure for Colleges of Education,” 2019.
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Dambai College of Education Academic Journal, Vol. 1, No. 1 (2022).
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