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 and support national development.
It is aimed at addressing 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 a former Minister of Education, Dr Christine Amoako-Nuamah. Other members are 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. They are also required to identify basic physical, structural and other facilities already available in the specified locations which could be acquired and utilised for the initial operation of the proposed universities.
The committee is also expected to facilitate the necessary arrangements for the transfer and adaptation of such facilities to support the take-off of the institutions.
In addition, the committee would plan for the acquisition of land to support the long-term development and expansion of the universities to ensure they were properly sited for future growth.
The committee will further determine the niche disciplinary areas for each proposed university, considering national development priorities and regional human resource needs.
Based on this, they are expected to recommend initial academic programmes that are relevant and responsive to the socio-economic needs of the country.
The committee is also mandated to specify the courses to be offered, outline entry requirements, and determine the conditions for the completion of programmes and the award of certificates, diplomas and degrees.
In the area of governance, the committee is to recommend appropriate organisational frameworks for the management and administration of the proposed universities, ensuring alignment with established norms in Ghana’s public university system.
The committee would further define qualifications required for teaching, administrative and support staff, and recommend qualified individuals who may be considered for appointment to facilitate the smooth take-off of the institutions.
Furthermore, it 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, among others.
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.
Source:
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