The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has granted Presidential Charters to 14 tertiary institutions, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s higher education landscape. The presentation ceremony, held at the Jubilee House, was attended by prominent government officials, education stakeholders, and representatives from the newly chartered universities.
The institutions honored include the Academic City University College in Haatso-Accra, KAAF University College in Fetteh Kakraba, Entrance University College of Health Sciences at Spintex in Accra, Garden City University College in Kenyase-Kumasi, Family Health University College in Teshie-Accra, Ensign Global College in Kpong, and the Thrivus Institute for Biomedical Science and Technology in Lashibi-Accra. Other recipients were the Heritage Christian University College in Amasaman-Accra, the University College of Gold Coast (formerly Accra Business School) in Spintex-Accra, Knutsford University College in East Legon-Accra, Nobel International Business School in South Legon-Accra, and Accra Metropolitan University College (formerly Laweh University College) in Nungua-Accra.
Completing the list were the African University College of Communications and Business (formerly African University College of Communications) in Adabraka-Accra and the National Defence College (formerly Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre and Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College) in Teshie-Accra.
In attendance were the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, director-generals of various educational agencies, registrars and senior officials from the chartered universities, and members of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
President Akufo-Addo, in his address, emphasized the significance of the Presidential Charter, describing it as the highest recognition a tertiary institution can achieve. He highlighted that the process for attaining the charter is rigorous, requiring institutions to meet stringent criteria established by GTEC. These criteria encompass excellence in governance, quality assurance, academic delivery, research, and community engagement.
“The Presidential Charter represents the highest recognition that a tertiary institution can achieve. It is the result of a rigorous process, and such university college must meet stringent criteria established by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission,” the President stated. He added that the journey of these institutions had been marked by relentless effort, mentorship from established universities, and a commitment to maintaining high academic standards.
The President acknowledged the significant progress made by the 14 institutions in their quest for autonomy. He noted their investments in modern facilities, the expansion of academic programs, and the implementation of robust governance structures. “This achievement is not only a reflection of their commitment to quality education but also an acknowledgment of their contribution to the broader development of the nation,” he remarked.
President Akufo-Addo charged the newly chartered universities to maintain the high standards that earned them the charter. He urged them to uphold academic integrity, foster inclusivity and diversity, and prioritize the holistic development of their students. The President also cautioned that while this achievement is worth celebrating, challenges such as technological advancements, the demand for specialized skills, and the need for sustainable funding models must be addressed collectively.
He called for continuous support for the chartered universities to ensure their growth and excellence. “While you celebrate this achievement, we must remain mindful of the challenges ahead. The rapid evolution of technology, the increasing demand for specialized skills, and the need for sustainable funding models are issues that require our collective attention,” the President added.
Speaking on behalf of the newly chartered institutions, the Founder and President of Accra Metropolitan University, Prof. Goski Alabi, expressed gratitude to the President for granting the charters. She described the gesture as a testament to the government’s commitment to advancing tertiary education in Ghana by ensuring quality, access, and autonomy.
Prof. Alabi also extended her appreciation to GTEC for its unwavering support and rigorous assessment throughout the charter process. She assured that the chartered institutions would continue to uphold the highest standards of academic excellence, innovation, and societal service.
“As autonomous institutions, we pledge to uphold the highest standards of academic excellence, innovation, and service to our society,” Prof. Alabi said. She further emphasized the pivotal role private tertiary education plays in improving Ghana’s gross tertiary enrollment ratio and aligning with the national agenda for quality, inclusive, and accessible education. She expressed confidence that these achievements would contribute significantly to the realization of Africa’s Agenda 2063.
Prof. Alabi also appealed to the government to create an enabling environment for private universities to thrive. She highlighted the importance of policies that encourage research, innovation, and public-private partnerships, as well as access to affordable financing for infrastructure and other developmental projects.
The ceremony marks a significant development in Ghana’s educational sector, reflecting the government’s dedication to promoting academic excellence and institutional autonomy. It also underscores the growing recognition of private universities as key contributors to the nation’s educational goals and socio-economic development.
The Presidential Charter not only elevates the status of the 14 institutions but also reinforces their role in shaping Ghana’s future through quality education and innovation. This achievement serves as a motivation for other tertiary institutions to strive for similar recognition, ensuring that the country’s education system remains competitive and aligned with global standards.
As Ghana continues to prioritize education as a cornerstone of national development, the chartering of these institutions represents a significant step toward achieving a robust and inclusive educational framework. The contributions of these universities will undoubtedly play a critical role in advancing the nation’s vision of creating a skilled and knowledgeable workforce capable of addressing local and global challenges.
This momentous occasion at the Jubilee House is a celebration of progress, resilience, and a shared commitment to excellence in education. The 14 chartered universities have set a benchmark for others to follow, ensuring that Ghana remains at the forefront of tertiary education in Africa and beyond.
