Campus traditional council: Case study of Bia Lamplighter and Dambai Colleges of Education in Ghana

Abstract

This article discusses the role of Campus Traditional Councils found in some Colleges of Education in Ghana, the case of Bia Lamplighter and Dambai Colleges of Education. Data were collected and analyzed qualitatively with a descriptive case study as a design. Interview and observation were used as research instruments which enabled the researchers to identify and describe the actual impact of the Campus Traditional Council on student teachers and the learning communities. It came to light that most of the student teachers in Bia Lamplighter and Dambai Colleges of Education before coming to College, had not had the opportunity to participate in some cultural activities in their locality as a result of religious conversion, migration, modernization and busy family schedules. The evidence conclusively pointed to the fact that, about 80% of the students had inadequate knowledge about their own cultural practices and those of other ethnic groups in Ghana with their significance they stand to derive from participation.  However, this study revealed that the institution of Campus Traditional Councils in Bia Lamplighter and Dambai Colleges of Education contributed in training holistic student teachers by instilling discipline deviant students as they are referred to the council for “arbitration” and educating the student teachers about some basic cultural practices that cut across most cultures in Ghana and their significance. It is suggested that this institution be regularize and resourced very well, to enlighten students more about numerous cultural practices and their implications which will inculcate respect for their own culture and those of others so as to aid cultural continuity among Ghanaian teachers.