In a historic and visionary gathering that marked a new chapter for private higher education in Ghana, the Private Universities Founders Association (PUFA-GH) held its 1st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, 22nd May 2025, at its Secretariat located at Wisconsin International University College, North Legon.
Though the Association was formally birthed in February 2023, this milestone AGM symbolised two years of solidifying the foundation for private universities’ collective voice and future in Ghana. The event was convened to deliberate on the journey so far, chart a new course, and renew the mandate of the pioneering leadership team.
Honouring Service, Renewing Mandates
A core highlight of the AGM was the review of PUFA-GH’s strides in its formative years and the progress made through critical engagements with key government institutions — notably, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the Ministry of Education, and leadership under both the previous government (New Patriotic Party) and the current administration (National Democratic Congress).
In an atmosphere of deep mutual respect and unity of purpose, the members of the Association unanimously voted to continue the current Executive Committee’s mandate into a second term, affirming their confidence in the committee’s dynamic leadership. The Executives had served just one term of a possible two-year renewable mandate and had already demonstrated exceptional commitment and diplomatic acumen.
However, Dr. Ernest Ansah, Founder of Datalink University College and current Secretary-General, graciously requested to step down from his position on health grounds. His tenure was lauded for dedication, clarity of purpose, and strategic advocacy. Prof. Martin K. Gyambrah was unanimously appointed as the new substantive Secretary-General of the Association.
Advocacy, Dialogue and Milestones
Over the past two years, PUFA-GH has not only carved a space for private universities in the national education discourse but has also laid strong policy groundwork through its engagements:
A pivotal meeting with former Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, initiated critical dialogue around the Presidential Charter framework for private universities, an issue central to institutional autonomy and national parity in tertiary education.
The Association also engaged the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education in a bold advocacy push for increased governmental support for private institutions. The discussions included proposals for infrastructure development support, equitable access to student loan trust funds, and recognition of the immense contribution of private universities to Ghana’s human capital development.
Most notably, in March 2025, the entire membership of PUFA-GH was formally hosted at the Ministry of Education by Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, and Hon. Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, Deputy Minister of Education, alongside the Director in Charge of Private Universities, GTEC.
In this high-level engagement, the Minister made forward-looking and bankable commitments aimed at transforming the operational climate for private tertiary institutions. These commitments are expected to materialise by the end of 2025, a development keenly anticipated by all stakeholders.s unanimously appointed as the new substantive Secretary-General of the Association.
Expanding the Executive Committee
In a progressive step to broaden leadership and deepen the representation within the Executive Committee, the AGM approved the expansion of the Executive team from seven (7) to eleven (11) members.
Following nominations and elections, the following distinguished individuals were inducted into the Executive Committee:
Prof. Martin K. Gyambrah, Founder of the University of Applied Sciences
Dr. Nana K. Owusu-Kwateng, Vice President and Acting President of Garden City University
Dr. Tetteh Nettey, Founder of Marshalls University College
Mr. John Kwamena Essel, Founder of Knutsford University
The induction ceremony was gracefully officiated by the Chairman of the Association, Dr. Paul Kofi Fynn, Founder of Wisconsin University College.
The newly inducted members join the existing team of formidable leaders:
Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Kingsley Larbi, Founder of Regent University College
Prof. (Med) Afua Hesse, Co-Founder of Accra College of Medicine
Mad. Joyce Ababio, Founder of JACCD Design Institute Africa
Dr. Ernest Ansah, Founder of Datalink University College
Mr. Philip Glah, Legal Advisor
Dr. Dee Otibu-Asare, Public Relations Officer
Justice (Rtd.) I. D. Duose, Legal Advisor.
A Future of Purposeful Collaboration
A core highlight of the AGM was the review of PUFA-GH’s strides in its formative years anAs PUFA-GH moves into its next chapter, the spirit of collaboration, vision, and resilience remains at the heart of its agenda. The reaffirmation of its founding Executives and the inclusion of new, high-impact leaders represent a renewed commitment to influence policy, promote quality, and protect the future of private tertiary education in Ghana.
The Association stands not only as a platform for advocacy but as a strategic partner in national development, ensuring that private universities are no longer viewed as auxiliary to the public sector, but as co-equal contributors to Ghana’s educational sovereignty.
PUFA-GH looks forward to a future of breakthroughs, recognition, and real transformation.
Reporter: Dr. Tetteh Nettey.
