Ghana’s universities now engines of transformation – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, says Ghana’s universities are driving national transformation through research, innovation, and strategic international partnerships.

Addressing participants at the Ghana–Norway Academic Programme at the University of Ghana on Friday, Dr. Apaak highlighted the evolving role of higher education institutions in national development.

“Today, our universities are not just centres of learning; they are engines of national transformation,” he stated, stressing their growing influence beyond traditional teaching roles.

He explained that through collaborations with international partners such as Norway, Ghanaian universities are contributing directly to solving pressing national challenges.

According to him, joint research efforts are already making an impact in key sectors.

“Through joint research in critical areas such as climate change, water resource management, public health, and coastal development, this partnership is producing solutions that directly address Ghana’s developmental priorities,” he said.

Dr. Apaak noted that these partnerships have strengthened institutional capacity and expanded opportunities for advanced learning. He pointed out that new postgraduate programmes and improved research infrastructure are helping position Ghana’s universities on the global stage.

“Importantly, these collaborations have led to the establishment of new postgraduate programmes, improved research infrastructure, and increased international visibility for our institutions,” he added.

Despite these gains, the Deputy Minister emphasised the need to sustain and expand the progress made so far. He called for deliberate efforts to ensure that academic research translates into practical outcomes that benefit society.

“Moving forward, our focus must be on scaling these gains and ensuring that research outcomes translate into policy and practice,” he said.

He further underscored the importance of aligning academic work with industry needs to maximise impact and relevance.

Dr. Apaak also highlighted the role of students and young researchers, describing them as central to the future of innovation and development in Ghana.

“They are not just beneficiaries of these programmes. They are the future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who will carry this partnership forward,” he said.