The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has disclosed that the institution is preparing students for a technology driven academic environment through expanded digital support and a new course in applied artificial intelligence.
Speaking at the UG Sunday Service at the Legon Interdenominational Church, Professor Amfo explained that the university’s strategy centres on global impact through innovative research, teaching and learning, with technology and people placed at the heart of its academic development. The approach, she indicated, is being implemented through five strategic priorities designed to improve the experience of students and strengthen the institution’s academic standing.
A major part of the plan focuses on improving the conditions under which students learn. The University of Ghana has continued with classroom modernisation, moving from common lecture theatres to facilities within individual departments and schools.
Alongside infrastructure, student access to technology has received significant attention. With assistance from partners, the university has provided 1,198 laptops to students who face financial difficulties in accessing the equipment required for their studies.
Professor Amfo acknowledged the Legon Interdenominational Church for its contribution while appealing for continued assistance to sustain the laptop initiative. She explained that access to appropriate technology remains important as students increasingly depend on digital resources for academic work.
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation has also provided 2,500 laptops to the university. According to the Vice Chancellor, the equipment will support the introduction of a new University of Ghana Required Course focused on Digital Literacy and Applied AI from the next academic year.
The new course forms part of a review of the University of Ghana Required Courses. It is expected to give students practical knowledge that can help them navigate an academic and professional environment increasingly shaped by digital technologies.
From the Chancellor’s perspective, the initiative also signals a shift towards preparing graduates for emerging demands across different sectors. Technology access is therefore being treated as an important component of student development alongside conventional classroom instruction.
The expansion of digital learning support also involves collaboration between the university and public institutions. Such partnerships are helping the institution respond to changing educational needs while creating opportunities for students who might otherwise struggle to obtain essential learning tools.
Research Strength And Staff Welfare Drive University’s Next Phase
The University of Ghana has also recorded progress in research activity, staff welfare and international engagement as part of its strategic development. Professor Amfo reported that the institution signed 69 research grant agreements during the past year despite challenges affecting research funding globally.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the NKABOM Collaborative focused on Agri-food systems and the Africa Climate Collaborative. Both programmes received support from the Mastercard Foundation and combined research with skills development to empower young people.
The programmes have also created opportunities for women and persons living with disability. The project, according to Professor Amfo, goes beyond academic research by providing entrepreneurial skills and practical support to help beneficiaries establish sustainable livelihoods.
Research performance has been accompanied by strong results in international university rankings. For the QS World Rankings for 2026 and 2027, the University of Ghana was ranked first in Ghana and first in West Africa.
The institution also secured the top position in Ghana in the first QS Sub Saharan African Rankings. It ranked first across West and East Africa in the same assessment, with South African universities occupying positions ahead of it at the continental level.
The university’s performance in the Times Higher Education Subject Rankings further strengthened its academic profile. The School of Law emerged as the highest ranked institution in Ghana and West Africa while placing sixth across Africa.
Beyond academic performance, management has introduced measures aimed at improving the working environment for faculty and administrative staff. The university held its first Employee Week in November with activities covering staff wellbeing, seminars, recreation and retirement planning.
The initiative has since become an institutional programme scheduled for every October. Staff have also benefited from grooming services and other activities intended to create a more supportive workplace.
Another significant policy concerns paternity leave for male staff. Professor Amfo indicated that the arrangement gives male employees time to remain at home and support their families after childbirth, with the university expecting to review the policy as experience is gained.
Staff recognition has also returned through the reintroduction of awards across several categories. The move forms part of efforts to recognise contributions within the university community and strengthen institutional morale.
Meanwhile, engagement with employers has expanded through career fairs organised by the Careers and Counselling Directorate as well as individual colleges and units. These programmes give students opportunities to interact directly with prospective employers and gain a clearer understanding of workplace expectations.
The College of Basic and Applied Sciences also organised a career fair shortly before the Vice Chancellor’s remarks. Such engagements are creating a bridge between academic preparation and employment opportunities as the university continues to deepen partnerships nationally and internationally.
Taken together, the initiatives point to an institutional strategy that links student support, research, staff welfare and external partnerships. The university is therefore positioning its academic community to respond to changing technological, professional and global demands while strengthening its standing within Ghana and across the region.
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