Vice-President-Elect Commits to Strengthening University Collaboration Amid Discussions on Higher Education and Research Funding

The Vice-President Elect, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has reaffirmed her commitment to encouraging collaboration among universities to tackle critical challenges in higher education.  

Her remarks came during a courtesy call by a delegation from the University of Ghana (UG) Management team to congratulate her on her election victory and to discuss issues affecting tertiary education in Ghana ahead of her inauguration ceremony. 

The UG delegation, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, included Pro Vice-Chancellors Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante (Research, Innovation and Development) and Prof. Gordon Awandare (Academic and Student Affairs), Registrar Mrs. Emelia N.K. Agyei-Mensah, Dean of the School of Law Prof. Raymond Atuguba, Dean of International Programmes, Prof. Jemima Asabea Anderson and Director of Public Affairs, Dr. (Mrs.) Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah. 

Prof. Amfo began the discussions by highlighting critical areas needing attention, particularly procurement challenges that hinder the smooth operation of universities. She revealed efforts to review procurement processes, including the institution of a committee to collaborate with relevant agencies to address existing bottlenecks. She highlighted the need for expedited research-related procurement processes to ensure universities meet academic and innovation timelines. 

Addressing the broader issue of funding for tertiary education, Prof. Amfo called for a national dialogue to tackle challenges and develop sustainable solutions. She also underscored the urgency of implementing promised initiatives, such as the “No Fee Stress Policy”, to avert operational difficulties in universities. 

“We are here to walk through these challenges with you and provide practical suggestions for improving higher education in Ghana,” she assured the Vice-President. 

Responding to the delegation, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang expressed gratitude for the visit and the shared commitment to improving Ghana’s higher education landscape. She noted that many of the issues raised, particularly procurement and funding, align with challenges she had tackled in her previous roles. 

Drawing on her experience as a former Minister for Education, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang recalled her advocacy for the establishment of a national research fund and reiterated the importance of prioritising research. “Research is an essential but expensive venture that requires deliberate financial commitment,” she stated, adding that universities could benefit from pooling efforts to create unified channels for funding requests. 

She also suggested exploring collaborations with the private sector, as seen in countries like the United States, where universities leverage business partnerships for financial support. 

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang further expressed concern about the polarisation of university campuses by political influences, stressing the need for universities to maintain their objectivity. “Our universities must remain spaces of innovation and independent thought,” she stressed. 

The Vice-President invited continued dialogue to address pressing issues, including research priorities and the resources needed to commission studies relevant to Ghana’s development. “I look forward to working with you during my tenure to tackle these challenges and enhance the quality of higher education,” she remarked. 

The meeting marked a significant step towards fostering collaboration between academia and government to address systemic challenges in Ghana’s tertiary education sector.