The traditional overlord of the Navrongo Traditional area, Pɛ Dennis Asagpaare Balinia Adda II, has expressed his displeasure over the ongoing controversy regarding the principal of St. John Bosco Teacher Training College, Prof. Joseph Amikuzono. He stated that if he had the power, he would ask for the removal of Prof. Amikuzono to be reconsidered, citing the significant improvements the principal has made since assuming office.
According to Navro Pio, “the works of Prof. Amikuzono are not hidden to the extent that even the blind can see what he has done for the college.” He lamented that the people of Navrongo overwhelmingly oppose the removal of the principal, yet authorities seem determined to proceed with it. He emphasized that, “the whole community is in support of Amikuzono. The whole municipality is in support of Amikuzono. I’ve not had anybody come to say that people don’t want this one; they don’t want him.”
In addressing the students of St. John Bosco Teacher Training College, alumni, and residents of Navrongo who demonstrated against the proposed removal, Navro Pio remarked, “As the principal of the St. John Bosco College of Education, he has done well, and that is the fact. He needs to be supported rather than what he’s going through today. What is his crime? Was he in the Judas squat when Jesus Christ was crucified? Did he take part in the crucifixion? Why don’t we want good people? Why is he being blocked from people’s interests at the college? We just don’t understand this.”
Prof. Joseph Amikuzono has transformed the college since his appointment in September 2020, overseeing over 24 projects that have significantly enhanced the institution’s standing in Ghana. He facilitated the resolution of a 42-year-old land litigation issue, allowing for the construction of a long-abandoned college wall and entrance. Additionally, he completed a 1,500-capacity auditorium that had been stalled since 2012.
Under his leadership, the college saw the construction of a new two-unit lecture theatre and the recruitment of over 50% of the current staff, with 77 out of 138 staff members hired during his tenure. The student population increased from less than 1,000 to 1,729 in the 2023/24 academic year, and new academic programs, including a B.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, were introduced.
Prof. Amikuzono also initiated the Remedial Plug-In Programme to prepare girls for the WASSCE and college admissions, transformed the college’s basic school into a model institution, and established the B.K. Tsetse Students Innovation Centre to enhance student participation in governance. A joint pavement project between the college, alumni, and the SRC is nearing completion, and a new 300-capacity, three-storey hostel is currently under construction.
Moreover, he has successfully mobilized the college alumni to support development, renovated all halls of residence, and established various memoranda of understanding with other educational institutions. His initiatives have also included enhancing the college’s cultural and Catholic identity through significant renovations and the addition of traditional art and religious structures.
Despite these accomplishments, Navro Pio noted the disconnection between the voices of the majority and the decisions made by authorities, stating, “In Parliament, they would say majority carries the vote, but in school, it’s not the majority. I rest my case.”
In conclusion, the overwhelming support for Prof. Amikuzono from the Navrongo community underscores the sentiment that he deserves continued backing for the positive changes he has initiated at St. John Bosco Teacher Training College.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard A Adongo
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