Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced plans by the government to set up a new tertiary institution, the University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, in Kintampo in the Bono East Region.

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According to the minister, the institution will support agricultural modernization and provide higher opportunities in education for the region.

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Speaking at the official inauguration of the Governing Council of the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies on May 12, the sector minister explained that the bill to establish the university will be laid before parliament once it reconvenes.

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The move, he said, forms part of the government's broader effort to expand tertiary education and ensure that every region in the country has at least one public university.

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“It is the desire of the government that every region of Ghana will be host to one higher education institution of learning. It is the dream and desire of President Mahama that in each region there will be an established university,” he indicated..

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Ghana’s agriculture sector, though vital to the economy, has faced slow progress in modernisation, with limited investment in research and innovation. This, experts argue, continues to impact food security and national productivity.

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The planned university is expected to respond to these challenges by focusing on specialised training, cutting-edge research, and innovation in agricultural science and life sciences. It will also equip the youth with practical skills to thrive in the evolving agricultural landscape.

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Mr. Iddrisu also touched on infrastructure challenges facing existing institutions. He noted that the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies had not seen any major support since its establishment.

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“SD Dombo has not seen any significant support, in terms of infrastructure. I am happy to announce that this year, the government through the GETFund will make available some seed money for SD Dombo University as part of President Mahama’s quest to support the institution to grow,” he said.

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Chairman of the newly inaugurated Governing Council, Dr. Benjamin Kumbour, described the announcement as timely and pledged to engage private stakeholders and the local community to contribute to the university’s development.

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“We on our part will also try private initiatives and see how the local community of the region will also be encouraged to bring their contributions to develop the university,” he assured.

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The government says it remains committed to creating more educational opportunities, especially in underrepresented regions, to empower the next generation of professionals and innovators.

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Meanwhile, President Mahama is preparing to introduce a new bill in Parliament to rename the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS) and several other public universities across the country.

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The Minister for Education made the announcement during the swearing-in ceremony of the Governing Council of CKT-UTAS in Accra. The university’s name has drawn mixed reactions from the public, with some stakeholders opposing it from the beginning.

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This move forms part of a broader initiative to review and potentially rename several public universities established or renamed during the tenure of former President Nana Akufo-Addo.

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“We have had extensive consultations with the academic community, traditional rulers, alumni associations, students, and civil society. As a result, the name C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences is likely to change—possibly reverting to the original vision.

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“There will be a general bill to consider the renaming of several public universities that were renamed or established during former President Akufo-Addo’s administration,” Mr Haruna stated.

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