The Minister of Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has reiterated the government’s dedication to granting full autonomy to the management and councils of public universities, ensuring they operate independently without external interference.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister at the Second Session of the Third Congregation of the University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UniMAC) in Accra on Friday, March 21, 2025, a government representative emphasized the importance of academic freedom in higher education institutions.
The event saw a total of 205 students receive Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Master of Arts (MA) degrees, with 116 females and 89 males being conferred with postgraduate qualifications.
Upholding Academic Freedom and Institutional Independence
In his address, Mr. Iddrisu reaffirmed the government’s strong stance on protecting the autonomy of public universities, stating that any form of interference in university affairs undermines academic freedom. He stressed that higher learning institutions must have the independence to make decisions, formulate policies, and execute their statutory functions without undue political influence.
“I want to assure you that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, supported by his Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang—herself a former vice-chancellor and a seasoned academic—is firmly committed to empowering university councils and management to perform their duties without interference,” he said.
He further stated that the government would continue to empower academic boards and university management teams to enable them to operate effectively and uphold the highest standards in higher education governance. However, he cautioned that institutions would be held accountable should they fail to fulfill their responsibilities.
“The autonomy granted to universities is not a shield for inefficiency or misconduct. The Ministry of Education will not hesitate to demand accountability from university leaders where necessary,” he added.
Strengthening Research for National Development
Emphasizing the role of research in national progress, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening research institutions and ensuring sustainable funding for research activities. He highlighted the significance of research in addressing developmental challenges and shaping policies for economic growth.
To this end, he announced that the government was taking the necessary steps to operationalize the Ghana National Research Fund Act (Act 1056), which was passed by Parliament in 2020 to provide long-term financial support for research institutions and universities.
“Research is a key driver of national development. That is why we are committed to ensuring the Ghana National Research Fund is fully operationalized to support academic and policy-driven research in our universities,” he stated.
According to the Minister, progress had been made in securing seed money from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to kickstart the implementation of the research fund.
“Management structures are being put in place with seed money from GETFund to ensure that the national research fund becomes operational this year,” he announced.
Commendation for UniMAC’s Commitment to Excellence
The Minister praised the University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UniMAC) for its continuous dedication to academic excellence and innovation. He acknowledged the institution’s efforts in integrating research as a core component of its academic programs and training professionals capable of excelling in the global media and communication landscape.
He assured the management of UniMAC that the government would continue to support the university’s mission to nurture talent, develop future media professionals, and enhance academic research.
“The government remains committed to working closely with institutions like UniMAC to ensure they receive the necessary resources to produce graduates who are not only skilled but also capable of competing on the international stage,” he noted.
Vice-Chancellor Calls for Infrastructure Development and Student Welfare Improvements
Delivering his remarks at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of UniMAC, Prof. Eric Opoku Mensah, reaffirmed the university’s mission to equip students with the skills and competencies required for the 21st-century job market.
“As an institution, we remain dedicated to producing graduates who are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy. Our training aligns with industry demands, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges ahead,” he stated.
Prof. Mensah highlighted the university’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), fostering industry innovation (SDG 9), and reducing inequalities (SDG 10).
He emphasized that UniMAC would continue to use research, policy advocacy, and academic excellence as tools for national development.
“Through research and strategic partnerships, we will continue to shape a future where education serves as a bridge to prosperity,” he said.
However, the Vice-Chancellor also pointed out some challenges the university faces, including inadequate infrastructure, student welfare concerns, and the need for faculty development programs. He appealed to the government to extend more support to UniMAC to enable it to address these challenges effectively.
A Transformative Academic Experience for Graduates
Among the 205 graduates conferred with degrees at the event, many expressed their appreciation for the quality education they had received and the impact it had on their personal and professional growth.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr. James Amoh Junior, a postgraduate student specializing in Development Communication, described his academic journey at UniMAC as both transformative and enlightening.
“This course has provided me with a deeper understanding of the intersection between communication and sustainable development. It has equipped me with the tools to drive social change through strategic messaging and storytelling,” he said.
He emphasized how the knowledge gained had reshaped his perspective on journalism and communication, making him more committed to using his platform for advocacy and policy influence.
“This experience has changed how I approach media and communication. I am now more committed to using my skills to inform, influence policies, and empower communities,” he added.
Advice to Graduands: Adapt, Innovate, and Excel
Addressing the graduating class, Prof. Mensah encouraged them to embrace resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. He urged them to remain dynamic in a competitive job market and leverage their skills to make meaningful contributions to society.
“You are stepping into a world that is constantly evolving. To remain relevant, you must be adaptable, innovative, and committed to lifelong learning. Keep striving for excellence and make a positive impact wherever you go,” he advised.
He reminded them that education was not just about acquiring degrees but about using knowledge to solve real-world problems and contribute to national and global development.
Conclusion
The Second Session of the Third Congregation of UniMAC highlighted key issues concerning university autonomy, research development, and the future of higher education in Ghana. The government’s assurance of granting full autonomy to public universities signals a commitment to academic freedom and institutional independence.
Additionally, the promise to operationalize the Ghana National Research Fund reflects the government’s recognition of research as a critical tool for national development. As graduates move forward into various career paths, their education at UniMAC has equipped them with the knowledge and skills to shape a better future for themselves and their communities.
With continued collaboration between the government, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders, Ghana’s higher education sector is poised for transformative growth and innovation.
