President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed profound satisfaction with Ghana’s educational advancements, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to leaving an enduring legacy for future generations.
Addressing the 31st Congregation and Third Special Congregation of Valley View University (VVU) in Accra, President Akufo-Addo, after receiving an honorary doctorate, articulated his aspiration to be remembered as the “education president.”
“I want to be remembered as the education president,” remarked President Akufo-Addo, underscoring his administration’s dedication to transforming Ghana’s educational landscape.
Alongside Akufo-Addo, automotive mogul Thomas Svaniker and former Deputy Attorney General Kwame Osei-Prempeh were conferred honorary doctorate degrees for their exceptional leadership and contributions to humanity.
In his citation to President Akufo-Addo, Valley View University, he acknowledged his pivotal role in promoting peace in sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing regional stability, advocating for media freedom, and driving substantial legal and foreign policy reforms in Ghana.
The citation further highlighted the government’s landmark initiatives, such as the ‘Free Senior High School (SHS)’ programme, which has facilitated secondary education access for numerous Ghanaian youth. President Akufo-Addo reiterated that the programme enrolled a record-breaking 503,000 students in 2024, the highest number in the nation’s history.
According to government estimates, the ‘Free SHS’ programme has allocated over GHC12 billion since its inception in 2017, benefiting more than four million children.
President Akufo-Addo underscored the programme’s success in nurturing essential human resources critical for Ghana’s future development. He emphasized ongoing efforts to broaden technical and vocational education and enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to prepare youth for the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
To ensure educational excellence, President Akufo-Addo assured us that the government remains committed to investing in teacher training, infrastructure development, and equipping schools with necessary teaching materials.
Looking forward, President Akufo-Addo disclosed plans to establish four new universities in Asante-Mampong, Akrodie, Bunso, and Kitampo, expanding access to higher education.
Furthermore, the government is intensifying efforts to provide research allowances to university lecturers, fostering quality research outcomes and innovation to drive Ghana’s sustainable growth.
“We are laying a robust foundation for the future of our nation,” President Akufo-Addo affirmed, reiterating his administration’s steadfast commitment to advancing Ghana’s educational landscape.
