Kumasi, Oct. 13, GNA - One hundred and twenty three fresh students out of 554 qualified candidates gained admission to pursue various agricultural programmes at the Kwadaso Agricultural College in Kumasi this year.
Mr Anthony Appiah, Principal of the College, who announced this said a total of 43 candidates comprising 34 males and nine females were admitted to pursue diploma in agriculture, economics and extension programmes.
Speaking at a matriculation ceremony of the college to admit the fresh students in Kumasi on Friday, the Principal said 80 students made up of 47 males and 33 females also qualified to study programmes for certificate in general agriculture.
He said as compared with last academic year, this was an increase of about 21 per cent in numbers and that the yearly increase in student intake had put a lot of strain on facilities, most of which were provided as far back as 1951.
=93Since 1960, no addition has been made to student dormitories, classrooms nor staff accommodation, water has ceased flowing to the college for the past ten years=94, he said.
Mr. Appiah pointed out that the college started a diplomat programme which is a tertiary programme affiliated to the University of Cape Coast seven years ago and that the college would be offering only tertiary programmes as from next year.
=93For this reason, it would be necessary to improve the facilities, including structures of the college=94 he stressed.
Mr Gorden Arthur, Assistant Registrar, University of Cape Coast in-charge of Admissions, urged the students to conduct themselves very well and refrain from acts that would tarnish the hard won reputation of the college and the University of Cape Coast.
Mr George Kpor, Deputy Director of Agricultural Extension, congratulated the students and urged them to develop their knowledge and competence in agriculture and other areas that would be useful to farmers.
Mr Kwabena Agyekum-Sarbraw, Deputy Director of Human Resource Development and Manpower, of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, told the students to count themselves blessed because it was a rare opportunity they had obtained to gain admission over their counterparts, who also qualified but could not have the chance.
=93Getting admission into diploma agricultural extension programme is very difficult, therefore utilise the opportunity given you for the optimum gain=94, he urged the students.
