The Ministry of Education has inaugurated a 17-member committee to advise government on the establishment of new public universities across Ghana as part of efforts to expand access to tertiary education.
The committee, inaugurated by Education Minister Mr Haruna Iddrisu, is expected to submit its report to Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang by April 2027.
According to the Minister, the initiative forms part of government’s broader plan to establish 11 public universities, including technical and engineering institutions, in underserved regions to improve access to higher education.
He noted that many young people still face challenges in accessing quality tertiary education, and the new universities are intended to address regional disparities while strengthening national human capital development.
Mr Iddrisu explained that the project aligns with the government’s education reset agenda aimed at ensuring equitable access to university education in all regions, while also promoting research, innovation and skills development.
The committee’s mandate includes identifying existing facilities that can be used for the initial phase of the universities, securing land for future expansion, and proposing governance structures in line with public university standards.
It is also expected to draft legislation to support the establishment of the institutions and estimate their financial requirements over a four-year period.
Chairperson of the committee, Dr Christiana Amoako-Nuamah, expressed gratitude for the appointment and assured that members would carry out their work diligently and professionally.
She said the project represents a major step toward inclusive education and national development, adding that the committee would engage stakeholders and produce evidence-based recommendations.
Proposed locations for the new universities include Kintampo in the Bono Region, Jasikan in the Oti Region, Damongo in the Savannah Region, Bunso in the Eastern Region, Ohawu in the Volta Region, Acherensua in the Ahafo Region, and Kenyasi No. 2 in the Ashanti Region, among others.
