Damango, Kintampo and Jasikan to get new public universities – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to expand higher education access across Ghana by establishing new public universities in Damango, Kintampo, and Jasikan.

This, he says, forms part of efforts to promote regional development and meet the growing demand for tertiary education.

Speaking during his 2026 State of the Nation Address, Mahama said, “To expand access to higher education and support balanced regional growth, and meet the rising demand for quality tertiary education, we’ve entered international partnerships to establish two public universities — one in Kintampo, supporting the Bono East region, and another in Jasikan in the Oti region. I’m happy to announce also that a grant has been sourced from China to establish a new public university in Damango in the Savannah region.”

The President stressed that these institutions will play a critical role in closing the skills gap and reducing youth unemployment by delivering high-policy, industry-aligned, and practice-oriented training. “Technically, universities play a critical role in closing the skills gap and reducing youth unemployment by delivering high-policy industry aligned and practice-oriented training within a broader policy framework that stimulates labour demand,” he said.

Analysts note that locating universities in underserved regions will help decentralize educational opportunities, reduce congestion in established institutions, and stimulate local economies. The new universities are expected to attract students and faculty, generate employment, and provide avenues for research and innovation in their respective regions.

Mahama also highlighted that the move aligns with the government’s broader educational strategy, which seeks to balance academic excellence with practical skills acquisition. He said the government is also establishing three new technical universities to strengthen skills development, enhance innovation, and support national industrialization efforts.

“By prioritizing equitable access and expanding infrastructure, we are investing in human capital and laying the foundation for Ghana where every child can learn, grow, and succeed,” Mahama added.

Experts have described the plan as a significant step toward ensuring that tertiary education contributes directly to national development, regional growth, and sustainable employment creation. By providing targeted investments in infrastructure and curriculum development, the government aims to ensure that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of an evolving job market.

The announcement is expected to be welcomed by educational stakeholders, students, and local communities, who will directly benefit from increased opportunities and improved access to higher education across Ghana.