The planned upgrade of Ohawu Agricultural College into a campus of the University of Agriculture and Engineering is being hailed as a major step toward repositioning the Volta Region as a centre for higher education, innovation, and agro-industrial growth.
The initiative, approved by John Dramani Mahama, is expected to go beyond expanding access to tertiary education by driving research, job creation, and economic activity across the Anlo enclave and surrounding areas.
Educational experts and traditional leaders say the transformation will open new pathways for specialised training in agriculture and engineering—fields considered critical to Ghana’s development. The proposed introduction of programmes such as aquaculture, rice production, and even viticulture is expected to diversify skills training while unlocking new agricultural value chains.
The project also aligns with broader national efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education while decentralising opportunities for young people outside major cities. With the main campus of the university located in Bunso in the Eastern Region and set to begin operations in 2026, satellite campuses like Ohawu are expected to extend its reach nationwide.
Local authorities, including the Anlo Dukor Council, have indicated their readiness to partner with government, academia, and industry to ensure the success of the initiative. They believe the move will attract investment, improve infrastructure, and create employment opportunities for the youth.
The development also builds on longstanding discussions around leveraging education as a tool for regional transformation, particularly in agriculture-dependent communities. By upgrading the college—originally established in 1964 to train middle-level agricultural professionals—the area is expected to transition into a knowledge-driven economy.
Key stakeholders, including Julius Debrah, James Gunu, and Edem Agbana, have been credited for supporting the process that led to the approval.
As preparations continue, the focus is now shifting toward implementation and ensuring that the new campus delivers practical, industry-relevant training that can fuel both local and national development.
