The Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) has praised President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, for their quick action in making Savannah College of Education a public institution.

In a statement signed by its President, Lawyer Mohammed Amin Osman, and issued by its PRO, Mifti Habib Borejinkpar, on March 7, 2025, the Association expressed gratitude to the government for listening to the concerns of the people in the Savannah Region, as well as the staff and students of the College.

“We extend our heartfelt commendation to President John Dramani Mahama and Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, for their swift and decisive attention, which led to the immediate absorption of the College into the public system,” the statement read.

The Association acknowledged the role it played in achieving this goal, stating that its Education Committee and the interim Board of the College worked hard toward this outcome.

“The Association, through our Education Committee and the interim Board of the College, has made several efforts toward achieving this goal, and we are immensely elated to see these efforts culminate in this significant development.”

The group believes that making the College a public institution will improve education in the Savannah Region.

“As the first College of Education in the Savannah Region, we are confident that this milestone will enhance access to quality education in the region. The Chiefs and people of the region remain fully committed to supporting the College and ensuring it thrives and competes with other Colleges of Education across Ghana.”

The Association also showed appreciation to other key individuals and institutions that helped in the process.

“We would like to express our profound appreciation to Prof. Ahmed Jinapor, Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and the staff of the Commission for their unwavering support throughout this process.”

Additionally, it thanked the King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Biikunuto Jewu Soale I, the Wasipeura, the acting Principal of the College, and all stakeholders for their contributions.

Background of the Issue

Before this development, students of Savannah College of Education protested over the school’s unclear status. On March 1, 2025, Level 100 students locked up lecture halls and refused to attend classes.

The students claimed that management had misled them into believing the school was already a public institution. However, after gaining admission, they realized this was not true, even though the College’s name was listed on the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) website.

Their protest escalated when some members of the Daboya community stormed the school on March 3, demanding that the classrooms be reopened. This led to clashes between students and residents, forcing the police and military to step in to restore order. Some classroom furniture was damaged during the confrontation.

Despite the tension, the school’s management has not yet made an official statement on the issue.

With the College now officially absorbed into the public system, the Gonjaland Youth Association remains hopeful that this will bring stability and progress to education in the Savannah Region.