Ghana’s Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has given Ghanaians a glimpse into a possible policy direction under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, suggesting a reversal of all renaming decisions made under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
This announcement has sparked conversations across academic and political circles, particularly regarding the legacy and identity of Ghana’s public universities.
During his tenure, President Akufo-Addo spearheaded a series of renaming exercises that saw several public tertiary institutions either given entirely new names or proposed to be renamed in honour of influential national figures.
These changes, while celebrated by some as acts of recognition for national heroes, have also faced criticism from others who felt they were politically motivated or disrupted the historical identities of the institutions.
The NDC, however, appears set on reversing those changes if they maintain or return to power, as revealed by the current Education Minister. Below is a summary of the affected institutions, including those that were renamed and others that had proposed name changes under the former president’s administration:
1. University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa
In 2018, UMaT was renamed George Grant University of Mines and Technology, honouring Paa Grant, a pioneer of Ghana’s independence movement and a founding member of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC).
2. University for Development Studies (Wa Campus)
This campus was separated and upgraded to full university status in 2020, taking on the name Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS). Dombo was a respected political figure from northern Ghana.
3. University for Development Studies (Navrongo Campus)
Also given autonomous status in 2020, this institution became the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), named after a veteran politician from the Upper East Region.
4. University of Education, Winneba (Kumasi and Mampong Campuses)
These campuses were merged into one university and renamed Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), recognising a renowned industrialist and politician.
5. Wa Technical University
This university was renamed Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, honouring Ghana’s only president of the Third Republic.
6. University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR)
Although not finalized, there was a proposal to rename this university after former Prime Minister Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia. The suggested name was Kofi Abrefa Busia University of Energy and Natural Resources.
7. Ho Technical University
Another renaming proposal was tabled to honour legendary Ghanaian composer and musicologist Dr. Ephraim Amu. Though this renaming was proposed, it was not implemented before the end of Akufo-Addo’s term.
The renaming of public universities under the NPP administration was largely presented as a way to immortalize the contributions of key Ghanaian leaders, especially those who played significant roles in the country’s political and educational development. However, it also triggered debates about regional fairness, national consensus, and whether educational institutions should be politicized in such a manner.
Now, with this new indication from the Education Minister, the stage is set for a possible name restoration movement under the NDC—potentially restoring universities to their previous identities and removing the names of political icons linked to the NPP’s ideological lineage.
