North Dayi’s Only Technical Institute Struggles To Survive Amid Mounting Infrastructure Challenges

By Christian Ahodie

Concerns are mounting over the state of Botoku Technical Institute, the only technical and vocational education institution in the North Dayi District, as residents and stakeholders warn that persistent infrastructure and logistical challenges are threatening its survival.

The institute, located in the Botoku Traditional Area — one of the largest communities in the district — is battling a combination of poor road access, inadequate teaching and learning materials, limited teaching staff, unstable electricity supply, and weak telecommunications network connectivity. Community members say the situation is discouraging prospective students and gradually undermining technical education in the area.

Established in 1993 as an Integrated Community Centre for Employable Skills (ICCES), the school was upgraded and absorbed into the Ghana TVET Service (GTVET) in 2024 as a government-assisted institution. The transition was expected to improve infrastructure and staffing, but several operational challenges persist.

School authorities indicate that despite the constraints, students continue to demonstrate strong performance in practical training. Management also points to the introduction of a new technical programme, described as one of the first of its kind in the country, with its maiden cohort expected to graduate soon.

However, the absence of a permanent electricity transformer remains a major setback, frequently disrupting practical lessons and academic activities that rely heavily on power supply.

In response to the staffing gap, residents have been contributing funds to support the payment of teachers’ allowances. Community leaders estimate that between GH¢8,000 and GH¢10,000 is raised monthly for this purpose, translating into more than GH¢200,000 annually.

Students who spoke to this reporter expressed concern about the state of infrastructure and appealed for urgent government intervention to prevent further decline.

An educationist and board member of the institute, Victor Abotsi, together with PTA representative Florence Nyagbe Geni, have called on the Ministry of Education, the Director-General of the Ghana TVET Service, and other relevant authorities to prioritise the school’s needs. They are also appealing to corporate bodies and development partners to support efforts to stabilise the institution.

Key among their requests are the installation of a permanent electricity transformer, improvement in road access and infrastructure, provision of adequate teaching staff, and the supply of modern teaching and learning materials.

Stakeholders maintain that with the necessary investment and institutional support, Botoku Technical Institute could play a pivotal role in strengthening skills training and contributing to socio-economic development in Botoku and across the North Dayi District.