As sporting events unfolded at the 16th Annual Inter Sports Festival for Colleges of Education in the Volta and Oti Zones, education leaders, traditional authorities, and government representatives shifted the spotlight from competition to character building, unity, and the evolving role of teacher trainees in national development.
Hosted by St. Francis College of Education (FRANCO), the event drew participation from seven teacher training institutions, including E.P College of Education, Amedzofe; Dambai College of Education; Peki College of Education; Akatsi College of Education; Jasikan College of Education; and St. Teresa College of Education. The theme, “Promoting Unity and Excellence through Sports; the Role of the Teacher Trainee,” echoed across speeches and activities, reinforcing the values of teamwork, discipline, and national cohesion.
Dr. Adwoa Kwegyiriba, Principal of St. Francis College, opened the event with a call to leverage sports as a unifying force. “Sport transcends ethnicity, religion, and geography. Today, we are not just celebrating talent, but also unity and mutual respect,” she said. She urged participants to uphold dignity and integrity both on and off the field, reflecting the ideals of the teaching profession.
The emphasis on leadership and personal development was echoed by the Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, who noted that sporting events in colleges must go beyond physical activity to instill lifelong values in future educators. “This is not just about athletics. It’s about grooming future classroom and community leaders,” he stated. Mr. Gunu also reiterated government’s commitment to quality teacher education and hinted at the scrapping of the controversial teacher licensure examination—a pledge welcomed by trainees.
Calls for structural support also emerged, as Dr. Dickson Tse, Chair of the Colleges of Education Sports Association (COESA), advocated for increased funding for sports activities. “Government, through Parliament, must consider enhancing the sports component in students’ fees to ensure regular and well-organised events,” he urged.
Dr. Daniel K. Hammond, Chairman of PRINCOF for the Volta and Oti Zones and Principal of Jasikan College of Education, underlined the broader developmental aim of the festival. “Teacher trainees must not only excel academically but also grow socially and morally. Sports cultivate leadership, endurance, and resilience—all critical to the 21st-century educator,” he noted.
He further applauded the government’s recognition of sports in holistic education, citing ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Education to introduce a structured school sports framework across all levels of learning.
Traditional leadership also lent its support to the event, with Togbega Gabusu VII, Paramount Chief of Gbi Traditional Area, praising the festival as a tool for fostering peace and community cohesion. He, along with other dignitaries, called for enhanced investment in sports infrastructure in the Hohoe Municipality to sustain youth development and national unity through athletics.
While medals and trophies may be the immediate goals for participants, the messages from the event made it clear: the festival is ultimately about shaping character, promoting national unity, and preparing the next generation of educators to serve as mentors both inside the classroom and in the wider society.
