The Ministry of Education has taken a significant step toward expanding access to tertiary education by inaugurating a 17-member committee to oversee the establishment of new public universities nationwide.
The committee, inaugurated by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, forms part of a broader government strategy to address persistent gaps in higher education and align academic programmes with Ghana’s long-term development needs.
Chaired by former Education Minister Christiana Amoako-Nuamah, the committee brings together experienced academics, policy experts, and industry stakeholders.
Its membership includes Lydia Essuah, Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah, Prof. Mohammed Salifu, Prof. Augustine Ocloo, Prof. Goski Alabi, Prof. Gordon Adika, Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi, Paul Adjei, Dr. Augustine Tawiah, Richard Nii Dadey, Paul Parker Atitsogbui, Francis Obeng, Dr. Victoria Osei Bonsu, Dr. Agyemang Danquah, Catherine Ekua Mensah, and Dr. Emmanuel Newman.
In its mandate, the committee is expected to develop a comprehensive national framework to guide the creation of new universities while strengthening existing tertiary institutions.
This includes identifying suitable locations, particularly in underserved regions, assessing infrastructure that can be upgraded into full-fledged universities, and recommending academic programmes that are closely aligned with Ghana’s labour market and economic priorities.
The committee will also propose governance structures, staffing requirements, and prepare financial estimates alongside draft legislation to support the establishment of these institutions.
The initiative is closely tied to the government’s plan to establish up to 12 new public universities across the country.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Iddrisu underscored the importance of higher education as a critical public good, noting that many qualified Ghanaian students continue to face challenges in accessing university education due to limited space and resources.
He emphasised that the goal is not merely to increase the number of institutions, but to ensure that new universities are built on strong foundations of research, innovation, and national relevance.
The committee is expected to submit its recommendations to the Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, after which the proposals will undergo further consideration by the government.
Chairperson Dr. Amoako-Nuamah has described the task as both ambitious and timely, assuring that the committee will deliver practical and sustainable recommendations that will expand access while maintaining quality standards.
