The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) have presented a comprehensive list of pressing challenges confronting Ghana’s higher education sector to the Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
In a high-level meeting led by their respective national presidents, Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu (UTAG) and Prof. Uriah S. Tetteh (TUTAG), the associations highlighted critical issues undermining the quality of higher education.
These included significant infrastructure deficits, an alarmingly high student-to-lecturer ratio, and deteriorating conditions of service for university staff.
Additional concerns addressed were inadequate national research funding, the legal framework governing the Ghana Universities Superannuation Scheme (GUSSS), and broader national issues such as illegal mining (galamsey) and its environmental damage, national security threats, and the imperative for peace.
In a statement dated January 21, 2025, signed by UTAG President Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu and National Secretary Prof. Eliasu Mumuni, the Vice President reassured the associations of the government’s commitment to resolving these challenges.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang underscored the need for universities to embrace innovation and foster collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to address systemic issues. She further called for campuses to remain safe spaces for academic dialogue, free from political influence, encouraging the academic community to rely on evidence-based research in contributing to national discussions.
The Vice President also warned against the dangers of politicisation within academic institutions, emphasizing the importance of preserving academic freedom and the integrity of the education system.
Described as candid and constructive, the discussions concluded with a shared resolve to work collaboratively toward strengthening Ghana’s higher education framework and advancing the nation’s broader developmental goals.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
