The Minister of Education, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu has announced that the Ghana Armed Forces will soon establish its own university following Parliament’s approval of the National Defence University Bill, 2026. He said the institution, which is awaiting presidential assent, will strengthen higher education and professional military training while expanding opportunities for specialised academic research.
Addressing the Government Accountability Series, Honourable Iddrisu explained that the university will be headquartered in Teshie and operate through constituent institutions including the Military Academy and the Kofi Annan Peace Training Centre. According to the Education Minister, a governing council is expected to be inaugurated before the end of August to prepare the institution for its official take off.
“The National Defence University Bill has been passed by Parliament and is awaiting presidential assent. On or before 31 August, a new governing council will be sworn in to begin the work of the university.”
Honourable Haruna Iddrisu
Furthermore, the Minister of Education disclosed that government has amended the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020, Act 1023, to strengthen quality assurance across the tertiary education sector. He indicated that the revised law introduces an optional charter system for private universities while preserving strict accreditation standards under the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission.
Discussing the policy direction, Honourable Iddrisu urged the leadership of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, including Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, to continue enforcing accreditation requirements without compromise. From his perspective, protecting academic standards remains essential while supporting the growth of private tertiary institutions that have contributed significantly to higher education over the years.
In addition, the Education Minister announced that the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences at Bunso will admit its first cohort of 800 students in October. He explained that 400 students will pursue engineering programmes while another 400 will enrol in agricultural sciences as the university begins academic activities.
Moreover, Honourable Iddrisu revealed that GETFund has released GH¢5 million to support the new institution ahead of its opening. He observed that the funding will assist the university in preparing facilities and administrative structures for its inaugural intake.
The focus, he added, remains on expanding access to quality tertiary education through strategic investments and stronger institutions. Honourable Iddrisu affirmed that the reforms demonstrate government’s commitment to modernising higher education while supporting academic excellence, institutional accountability and national development.
Free SHS Reforms Expand Infrastructure And Student Support
The Minister of Education, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu has announced measures to improve the Free Senior High School policy through expanded infrastructure, enhanced feeding arrangements and stronger quality assurance systems. He said the reviewed policy will continue to provide access to secondary education while introducing interventions aimed at improving learning conditions and preparing students for a competitive labour market.
Addressing the Government Accountability Series, Honourable Iddrisu explained that government reviewed the Free SHS programme after the National Education Forum held in Ho. According to the Education Minister, the review focused on strengthening existing structures while addressing key areas required to improve the effectiveness of secondary education.
“The Free Senior High School policy has come to stay, but with a commitment to tighten and improve it through infrastructure, feeding and quality assurance.”
Honourable Haruna Iddrisu
Furthermore, the Minister of Education disclosed that Cabinet has approved the $331 million Star G project to expand secondary education facilities across the country. He stated that the initiative, which received approval following negotiations led by President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Finance, will support infrastructure development in Senior High Schools, Senior High Technical Vocational Schools and TVET institutions.
Additionally, Honourable Iddrisu revealed that 210 schools will benefit from the programme through rehabilitation and expansion projects. He explained that 112 schools will undergo rehabilitation while 38 TVET institutions will receive support, with improvements expected in dormitories, classrooms and laboratory facilities.
Discussing school categorisation reforms, the Education Minister noted that some Category C schools will be upgraded to Category B status under the Star G programme. He added that 20 Category B schools will also be converted into Category A schools to improve access to high performing institutions.
In addition, Honourable Iddrisu highlighted government’s social interventions aimed at reducing financial barriers in education. He announced that GH¢900.353 million has been allocated to support 317,841 beneficiaries under the no fee stress initiative, which has been extended to include students in legal education.
Moreover, the Education Minister said the Student Loan Trust Fund has been expanded to support Ghana School of Law students, with 626 beneficiaries already receiving assistance. He explained that loan ceilings have also increased for students in colleges, rising from GH¢1,500 to GH¢3,000 for some categories and from GH¢2,250 to GH¢4,500 for others.
From his perspective, expanding educational opportunities remains central to government’s social interventions. Honourable Iddrisu further stated that reforms in legal education could provide a foundation for similar changes in medical education to allow more Ghanaian students to access professional training.
READ ALSO: Wontumi Sentenced to 20 Years in Samreboi Galamsey Trial
