President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has unveiled a series of bold educational reforms aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of education in Ghana. Among these significant measures is the establishment of four new universities to accommodate the increasing number of tertiary students.
In a speech delivered upon receiving his fifth honorary doctorate from Valley View University on Sunday, July 14, 2024, President Akufo-Addo highlighted his government's comprehensive efforts to improve education. These include extensive teacher training programs, curriculum reforms, and the integration of digital tools to enhance the learning experience.
"We have launched several interventions aimed at improving the quality of education and ensuring that every child receives a holistic and well-rounded education," President Akufo-Addo stated.
A cornerstone of these efforts is the Free SHS policy, which has broadened access to secondary education. To further support tertiary education, the government introduced the "No Guarantor" policy under the Student Loan Trust Fund, eliminating the need for a guarantor and thus enabling students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education without financial constraints. As a result, the number of tertiary students has surged from 443,978 in the 2016/2017 academic year to 711,695 in the 2022/2023 academic year.
To meet this growing demand, the government plans to establish new universities in Mampong, Akrodie, Bunso, and Kintampo, while also expanding facilities at existing institutions. These initiatives are part of the government's strategy to achieve a 40% Gross Tertiary Enrolment Ratio by 2030, up from the current 18.84%.
"The educational reforms carried out by the Akufo-Addo Government have also encompassed tertiary education, materially advancing access, infrastructure development, and STEM initiatives across the country," the President noted.
In addition, the government has prioritized the payment of research and book allowances to support academia. Since 2020, it has disbursed GH¢226 million in research allowances and GH¢491 million in book allowances, fostering an environment conducive to scholarly investigation and innovation. These investments aim to elevate the quality of education and research excellence in Ghana.
"Nothing would give me more honor or more pleasure than if, one day, Ghana’s historians were to describe me as the Education President," President Akufo-Addo declared.
In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his commitment to making education a cornerstone of national development. He emphasized that the substantial investments in education and the various initiatives implemented by his administration are designed to transform Ghana into a knowledge-driven economy, laying a strong foundation for the nation's future.