Education Minister calls for polytechnics nationwide, transparent use of university funds
By Rebecca Okine
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has called for increased scrutiny of how public universities in Ghana utilize their Internally Generated Funds (IGFs), directing the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to take the lead in ensuring accountability.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Dr. Paul Effah Conference Hall for the Ghana Tertiary Education Sector on Tuesday, June 3, Mr. Iddrisu stated that while government funding to public universities remains in place, institutions must demonstrate fiscal responsibility in managing their revenue streams.
“We must shine the light on the universities’ utilization of their IGFs and how that benefits expanding access to quality higher education—particularly the provision of residential halls and, more importantly, lecture theatres,” he said.
The Minister’s directive signals a renewed focus on transparency in university governance, especially amid growing concerns over infrastructure challenges, overcrowding, and limited access to facilities in public institutions.
Mr. Iddrisu’s comments also touched on Ghana’s technical and vocational education landscape. He proposed a forward-looking initiative and tasked GTEC with developing a blueprint to establish polytechnics in each of Ghana’s 16 regions.
“…Don’t you think that another layer is for us to have a polytechnic in each region in Ghana to provide a link between senior high school and the university? What do we do to improve the industry connection?” he asked.
He further urged GTEC to present the proposal to the presidency, emphasizing its potential to bridge the academic-to-employment gap through industry-focused training.
“So maybe your council would want to look into this and give the President a blueprint. But it is a possible pursuit in expanding access to higher education that government will think ahead and see if we can have a polytechnic in each of the 16 regions of Ghana to expand, increase access to higher education that still focuses on employability and industry.”
The Minister’s remarks highlight a dual approach to reforming tertiary education: financial accountability on one hand and strategic expansion to promote employability on the other. As the Ministry aligns education policy with the demands of a fast-changing economy, these initiatives signal a shift toward a more responsive and outcomes-driven higher education system.
