Mahama won’t interfere in academic freedom of any institution – Haruna

Ghana’s Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has stated that President John Dramani Mahama will not interfere with the academic freedom of any institution in Ghana.

Mr. Iddrisu disclosed this at the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) initiative, which is a network of 20 universities across the continent.

The event was under the theme: “ACE@10: Celebrating a Decade of Impact and Innovation of Africa Centers of Excellence Program,” and also had the presence of the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, among other dignitaries.

The Education Minister further stated that President Mahama is committed to providing all the support to academic institutions.

“So I’m conveying to you politely, Professor Nana Banfo, that the president is all ears. He’s already given you the assurance and the assurance of many heads of our institutions that he has no intention to interfere with the academic freedom of our universities and will work to enhance the academic freedom of our universities,” Haruna Iddrisu said.

This assurance comes amid concerns about government interference in educational institutions. President Mahama’s stance is consistent with his party’s commitment to promoting education and intellectual freedom. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has pledged to implement a “No Fees Stress” policy, which aims to absorb academic user facility fees for first-year students, if elected in the 2024 general election.

Haruna Iddrisu’s statement highlights the importance of academic freedom in promoting a conducive learning environment. By committing to non-interference, President Mahama demonstrates his administration’s dedication to supporting education in Ghana.

The Minister’s assurance is expected to boost confidence among educators, students, and stakeholders in Ghana’s educational sector. It reflects the government’s commitment to upholding the principles of academic freedom, allowing institutions to operate without undue interference.