By KINGSLEY LARBI (Rev. Prof.)
A Bold Educational Revolution
Education has always been the bedrock of national development. In Ghana, for much of its post-independence history, tertiary education was a privilege reserved for the few who could access public universities.
Institutions like the University of Ghana (UG), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) were the sole providers of higher education. However, the 1990s brought about a seismic shift, enabling the private sector—especially religious organizations, to take an active role in shaping Ghana’s academic landscape.
This shift was not without resistance. Many believed that tertiary education should remain the responsibility of the state. Others argued that religious bodies should channel their resources into supporting public institutions rather than building their own universities. But history has shown that private universities have not only survived but thrived, proving themselves as indispensable players in Ghana’s educational ecosystem.
How did these institutions overcome the giants of the land? How have they managed to remain relevant despite financial and regulatory hurdles? And what is the way forward?
The Birth of Private Universities: Policy Shifts and Early Resistance
Until the establishment of the National Accreditation Board (NAB) in 1993 (PNDC Law 317), university education in Ghana was strictly state-controlled. With an increasing population and growing demand for tertiary education, public institutions became overcrowded and underfunded.
In 1997, out of 84,576 Senior Secondary School (SSS) graduates, only 30,000 gained admission into public universities and polytechnics, leaving more than 54,000 students stranded.
The private sector saw an opportunity to bridge this gap, but skepticism was rife. Some academics suggested that instead of setting up new institutions, religious organizations should:
- Build hostels for students in public universities
- Offer scholarship grants to needy students
- Support the training of young faculty members to replace aging professors
Despite these recommendations, pioneers like Central Christian College (now Central University), Valley View University, and later Ashesi University forged ahead with the mission to provide alternative pathways to higher education.
The graduation ceremony of Central Christian College on August 30, 1997, attended by then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah, was a defining moment. His remarks encouraged churches to expand beyond theological education and address modern national needs in science, medicine, engineering, and business studies. This speech further fueled the ambition of private university pioneers, emboldening them to push forward despite the odds.
Financial and Structural Challenges: The Cost of Competing
The journey of private universities in Ghana has not been without financial struggles. Unlike public institutions, which receive direct government subventions, private universities rely heavily on tuition fees, philanthropic donations, and church funding. The high cost of infrastructure development, faculty recruitment, and accreditation fees often put a strain on resources.
For instance, in the early 2000s, Central University invested over $5 million in infrastructure, acquiring property like the Sunkwa Lodge to serve as its maiden campus. Valley View University, on the other hand, had to rely on international church funding from the Seventh-day Adventist Church to expand its facilities.
Moreover, calls for financial assistance from the government—such as access to the Students’ Loan Trust Fund (SLTF)—have faced bureaucratic resistance. Although some private university students now qualify for these loans, the process remains cumbersome, limiting access for many deserving students.
Private Universities Today: Innovation and Impact
Despite the challenges, private universities have demonstrated their resilience, adaptability, and innovation. Today, over 80 accredited private tertiary institutions operate in Ghana, with a combined enrollment exceeding 80,000 students.
Some of the most impactful private universities include:
- Ashesi University:
Pioneering a liberal arts model, Ashesi has become a leader in ethical leadership and innovation. The university has produced over 1,500 graduates, many of whom occupy top positions in global companies like Microsoft, Google, and McKinsey & Co.
- Central University:
With over 10,000 students across various campuses, Central University has expanded to offer degrees in law, pharmacy, and business administration.
- Valley View University:
As Ghana’s first accredited private university, Valley View has led renewable energy adoption in education, launching a solar-powered campus project in 2023 to reduce operational costs.
Private universities have also become leaders in technology-driven education. The recent adoption of online learning management systems has positioned them as key players in the post-pandemic education landscape.
The Role of Government: A Call for Stronger Collaboration
For private universities to remain sustainable and competitive, a stronger partnership between the private sector and government is crucial.
Key areas for improvement include:
- Expanding Financial Support
The Students’ Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) should be fully accessible to all students in accredited private universities.
- Tax Incentives
Government should waive import duties on essential educational equipment such as computers, lab materials, and books.
- Infrastructure Development
Land and financial support should be provided to accredited private universities to build modern campuses and research centers.
- Accreditation Processes
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) should streamline bureaucratic processes, reducing delays in program approvals.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Entrepreneurial Universities
As Ghana moves towards a knowledge-based economy, private universities must evolve beyond traditional education models. They must embrace:
- Entrepreneurial education
Encouraging students to build startups and contribute to Ghana’s industrial growth.
Stronger international partnerships – Collaborating with global institutions to improve research output.
- Digital transformation
Expanding online and blended learning programs including virtual and electronic libraries.
Conclusion
The rise of private universities in Ghana is a testament to resilience, vision, and faith. From the early struggles of accreditation and funding to the establishment of world-class institutions, private universities have competed fiercely with the giants of the land.
Today, they are no longer alternative options but essential pillars of Ghana’s educational future. Their continued growth depends on strategic policies, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
As we look forward, one thing is certain: private universities are here to stay, and their role in shaping Ghana’s future is undeniable.
