It was a joyous moment of celebration as the entire Berekum College of Education community gathered at the college’s auditorium on Friday, January 27, 2023, to hold a retirement ceremony in honour of Mr. Prince Yeboah Marfo, the former Principal of the College.
The colourful ceremony was graced by several dignitaries including Professor Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi who doubles as the Governing Council Chairman for the College, the Chief and Queen Mother of Berekum Traditional Council as well as the Chief of the Drobo Traditional Council and their entourage.
In attendance were also the Bono Regional Minister, Principals of sister Colleges, a representative from the University of Cape Coast, Staff, students, and family members of Mr. Prince Yeboah Marfo.
In his address, Mr. Prince Yeboah Marfo thanked God for bringing him this far in his professional career. He also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who supported him in the development of the College. He was optimistic that whoever takes over from him as Principal was going succeed. He pledged his availability to contribute to matters that require his attention and involvement in the growth of the College.
Profile of Mr. Prince Yeboah Marfo
Mr. Prince Yeboah Marfo is a distinguished academician who was born on September 24, 1960. He is a practicing Christian who worships with the Voice of Deliverance Church. He is married to Ms. Agnes Adu Amanfo with whom they have four (4) children.
He started his academic journey at Adiokor in the Jaman South District of the Bono Region and obtained his Middle School Leaving Certificate (MSLC) in 1975 at Adiokor/Zezera Local Authority Middle School. He continued at Drobo Secondary School and successfully obtained his GCE ‘O’ Level Certificate in 1980. He continued with GCE ‘A’ Level at Sunyani Secondary School and successfully completed in 1982.
His grooming into the teaching profession began in 1982 at the University of Cape Coast, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Honours and a Diploma in Education in 1987. Between 2005 and 2007, he furthered his studies for a Master’s Degree in Education. Between 2010 and 2012, he enrolled to pursue another Master’s Degree Programme at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and obtained a Common Wealth Executive Master’s in Business Administration.
Mr. Marfo speaks and writes impeccable English and Asante Twi as well as speaks the Bono Twi. His hobbies include reading, sports, listening to soul-elevating music, and making research. Mr. Marfo rose through all the ranks of the teaching profession as a teacher of the Ghana Education Service. Thus, he became Director II in 2012, Deputy Director in 2009, Assistant Director 1 in 2006, Assistant Director in 2002, Principal Superintendent in 1996, and Senior Superintendent in 1991.
Mr. Marfo since 1990 when he began his professional journey served in various capacities in the College and other organisations. At Berekum College of Education, he served as Principal from 2013 to 2022, a short stint as District Director, Ghana Education Service, Tano South in 2013, Ag. Vice Principal, Berekum Training College from 2007 to 2013, 2nd Vice, Credit Union Association, National Chapter from 2004 to 2006, Board Chairman, Credit Union Association, Brong Ahafo Chapter from 2000 to 2006, Board Chairman, Board of Directors, Berekum Area Teachers Credit Union from 1999 to 2005, House Master, Berekum Training College from 1995 to 1998, Assessment Officer, Berekum Training College from 1995 to 1998, Head of Department (Social Studies), Berekum Training College from 1994 to 2007, and Tutor, Berekum Training College from 1990 to 2007.
Mr. Marfo has attended several major conferences and seminars within and outside Ghana (Netherlands, Lesotho, Scotland, etc). He has several publications and research to his credit.
In his tenure as Principal of Berekum College of Education, he accomplished the following construction of a one-storey female hostel and five (5) room hostel facility to increase female enrolment in the College, construction of a modern washroom and toilet at the female hostel to take care of the special needs of female students, construction of pavement walk-ways at the male and female hostels, renovated and expanded the Dining Hall to give it a modern look, construction of a 5km internal college road with entrance arc, construction of a 12-unit Tutors bungalow, renovated the old administration block and has started the construction of new Administration Block, construction of a Snack Bar which is yet to be operationalised, renovation of the Principal’s bungalow and several other staff bungalows which were in a bad state, invested hugely in ICT infrastructure for the College, and invested in renewable natural resource (solar power) as backup source of electric power for the College administrative offices, among others.
Mr. Marfo is by far a very good teacher and administrator who has touched many lives since the beginning of his professional life. He is a constructive leader, who believes in the possibility of high levels of learning for all persons regardless of race, income, or culture.
