President Nana Akufo-Addo is elated about the progress Ghana is making in its educational strides, saying his Administration wants to leave a lasting legacy for the sake of posterity.
“I want to be remembered as the Education President,” he said.
The President was speaking at the 31st Congregation and Third Special Congregation of Valley View University (VVU) in Accra, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in recognition of his contributions to public service, justice, and development.
The University also awarded Honorary Doctorate Degrees to Mr. Thomas Svaniker, a renowned automotive entrepreneur, industrialist, and business strategist, and to Kwame Osei-Prempeh, a former Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
They were honored for their outstanding leadership and significant contributions in their fields, which have advanced the welfare of humanity. Both were ceremonially robed to mark their new academic titles.
In a citation presented to the President, the University recognized him for his pivotal role in promoting peace in sub-Saharan Africa, regional stability, media freedom, and his substantial contributions to major reforms shaping Ghana’s legal and foreign policy.
“Your illustrious career has been marked by an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, justice and democracy.
“Your Administration has championed many educational policies,” the citation read, highlighting the Government’s flagship ‘Free Senior High School (SHS)’ Programme, which has provided opportunities for many Ghanaian youth to access second-cycle education.
The citation also highlighted the President’s esteemed reputation for promoting human rights, media freedom, judicial independence, and democratic governance.
In his speech, President Nana Akufo-Addo noted that the total student enrolment for 2024 reached 503,000, marking the highest single enrolment at the Senior High School level in the country’s history.
The Government estimates that since its inception in 2017, the Free SHS Programme has cost over 12 billion Ghana Cedis, benefiting more than four million children.
Explaining the rationale behind the flagship educational programme, the President emphasized that its success has led to the development of essential human resources for future progress.
The Government is also dedicated to expanding technical and vocational education, along with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.
The President stated that the goal is to equip the youth with the necessary knowledge, expertise, and skills to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
To enhance the quality of education, the Government will continue to invest in teacher training, infrastructure development, and provide schools and students with essential teaching and learning resources, he assured.
“We are laying a strong foundation for the future of our nation,” he noted.
Regarding tertiary education, the President revealed that plans are underway to create four new universities in Asante-Mampong, Akrodie, Bunso, and Kitampo, aimed at expanding access to higher education.
Furthermore, the government has increased its efforts to provide necessary research allowances to university lecturers, with the goal of enhancing research quality and fostering innovative ideas to support the nation’s development.