Dr. Apaak engages Riphah International University over proposed Ghana campus

Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Abass Apaak has met Riphah International University officials from Pakistan over plans to establish a branch campus in Ghana.

The engagement forms part of broader efforts to deepen educational cooperation between Ghana and Pakistan, as both countries explore structured partnerships in higher education.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Minister for Education and the Government of Ghana, Dr. Apaak described the visit as a constructive step in advancing the long-standing bilateral ties between the two nations.

He stressed that higher education remains pivotal to Ghana’s development strategy, particularly under the country’s transformation agenda.

According to him, government priorities include strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and health sciences education.

This focus aims to boost research and tighten collaboration between academia and industry, and expand the global reach of Ghanaian universities. He noted that any partnership must align with these national objectives.

Dr. Apaak indicated the Ministry’s readiness to pursue a formal Memorandum of Understanding to guide the proposed collaboration. He explained that such a framework would ensure clarity, accountability and measurable outcomes for both parties.

Chancellor of Riphah International University, Hassan M. Khan, outlined the institution’s academic profile and international orientation.

He highlighted the university’s strong focus on medical and health sciences training, its network of teaching hospitals, and its growing footprint through global partnerships.

Mr. Khan said the university aims to combine technical competence with structured programmes that promote ethical development and leadership among students.

Officials from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, the Ministry of Education, the Pakistan High Commission and representatives of the visiting university participated in the discussions.

At the close of the meeting, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission was mandated to work with the university and relevant stakeholders to assess the proposal in line with Ghana’s regulatory requirements.

The Ministry of Education maintained that it remains committed to facilitating strategic partnerships that support national development.