In a landmark move to strengthen Ghana’s tertiary education sector, the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has announced the government’s allocation of a GH¢40 million seed funding package aimed at supporting four newly established public universities. The initiative, funded through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), is part of the government’s 2025 budgetary commitment to improving access and quality in higher education.
The announcement was made on Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the 5th Congregation Ceremony of the C.K. Tedem University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS) in the Upper East Region, where Hon. Iddrisu served as the Special Guest of Honour.
“This government is fully committed to nurturing our young public universities, ensuring they have the necessary resources to develop and provide quality education that meets the demands of our evolving economy,” the Minister stated to enthusiastic applause from students, faculty, and dignitaries.
Each of the four institutions will receive GH¢10 million under this initiative to support their growth in key areas such as infrastructure development, academic research, and operational capacity. The beneficiaries include:
C.K. Tedem University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS)
University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS)
University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR)
Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SD-UBIDS)
According to the Minister, the funding is expected to address pressing needs such as lecture halls, laboratories, staff accommodation, and digital learning infrastructure. It will also enhance institutional governance, student services, and research output to make these institutions more competitive and efficient.
The GH¢40 million seed fund is part of a broader national agenda to improve the quality of tertiary education, bridge infrastructure gaps in newer universities, and ensure they are adequately equipped to deliver globally relevant academic programs.
Haruna Iddrisu emphasized that the development of a skilled and knowledge-driven workforce remains central to the government’s economic transformation agenda. He noted that supporting emerging public universities—many of which are located in regions historically underserved in terms of higher education access—will help balance regional development and reduce educational inequality.
“We are not just building institutions; we are building futures. These universities are pillars of opportunity in their respective zones and engines of national growth,” the Minister remarked.
The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has over the years played a pivotal role in financing educational infrastructure and scholarships in Ghana. The 2025 allocation reaffirms the government’s reliance on GETFund as a strategic partner in addressing the longstanding resource challenges in the education sector.
The fund disbursement is expected to commence in phases, with a monitoring framework in place to ensure that the universities use the resources transparently and efficiently.
Education analysts and stakeholders have welcomed the move, calling it a step in the right direction that could relieve pressure on congested institutions like the University of Ghana and KNUST by strengthening alternatives across the country.
The 5th Congregation of CKT-UTAS, which served as the venue for the announcement, was a colorful event marked by academic regalia, cultural displays, and award presentations. Graduates from various disciplines including engineering, applied sciences, and education received degrees and diplomas.
In his keynote, Haruna Iddrisu congratulated the graduates and urged them to be problem-solvers and ethical professionals who can contribute meaningfully to national development.
“The future belongs to you. Use your knowledge not only for your personal success but to uplift your communities and this nation,” he charged.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included members of the university council, regional and local chiefs, municipal officials, faculty members, and proud family and friends.