A committee has been inaugurated to oversee the establishment of new public universities and the expansion of existing tertiary institutions across the country as part of efforts to improve access to higher education and support national development.
The initiative aims to address disparities in higher education by siting institutions in under-served areas while aligning academic programmes with the country’s human resource needs.
The committee is chaired by former Minister of Education, Christine Amoako-Nuamah. Other members include Lydia Essuah, Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah, Prof. Mohammed Salifu, Prof. Augustine Ocloo, Prof. Goski Alabi and Prof. Gordon Adika.
The rest are Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi, Paul Adjei, Dr Augustine Tawiah, Richard Nii Dadey, Paul Parker Atitsogbui, Francis Obeng, Dr Victoria Osei Bonsu, Dr Agyemang Danquah, Catherine Ekua Mensah and Dr Emmanuel Newman.
The committee has been given a broad mandate to plan, guide and provide recommendations. It is also tasked with identifying existing physical and structural facilities in designated locations that could be acquired and utilised for the initial operation of the proposed universities.
Additionally, the committee will facilitate arrangements for the transfer and adaptation of such facilities to support the take-off of the institutions.
It is also expected to plan for land acquisition to support the long-term development and expansion of the universities, ensuring they are properly sited for future growth.
The committee will further determine niche academic disciplines for each proposed university, taking into account national development priorities and regional human resource needs.
Based on this, it will recommend initial academic programmes that are relevant and responsive to the socio-economic needs of the country.
The committee is also mandated to specify courses to be offered, outline entry requirements, and determine conditions for the completion of programmes and the award of certificates, diplomas and degrees.
In the area of governance, it will recommend appropriate organisational frameworks for the management and administration of the proposed universities, ensuring alignment with established norms in Ghana’s public university system.
It will further define the qualifications required for teaching, administrative and support staff, and recommend individuals who may be considered for appointment to facilitate the smooth take-off of the institutions.
Furthermore, the committee will prepare draft legislation for the establishment of the universities and develop comprehensive financial estimates, including capital and recurrent expenditure to cover a four-year budget cycle.
Expressing appreciation, Dr Amoako-Nuamah thanked the government for the confidence reposed in the committee.
She noted that the team is mindful of the scale and importance of the assignment and will ensure that its recommendations prioritise relevance and sustainability.
Appreciation
The chairperson of the committee, Dr Amoako-Nuamah, expressed appreciation to the government for the confidence reposed in them.
She said the committee was mindful of the scale and importance of the assignment and would, therefore, ensure that its recommendations would prioritise relevance and sustainability.
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