Els: MBN360 Education
Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for a shift in Ghana’s education system towards practical solutions that directly improve society, urging scholars and institutions to ensure that academic knowledge translates into real development outcomes
She made the call when the University of Cape Coast (UCC) honoured her as its first Distinguished Fellow at the university’s maiden Distinguished Fellow Award Ceremony held on Friday, March 13.
In her acceptance speech, the Vice President stressed that academic excellence must go beyond theoretical knowledge and contribute meaningfully to national development and community transformation.
“Since this university was founded by Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, it has served as a reminder that Ghana has always invested heavily in the education of its people. Higher education is a privilege, and we must ask whether the knowledge we acquire serves the society that made it possible,” she said.
Read also:
- GMet installs weather station, launches Green Climate Club at Methodist Girls’ High School
- President Mahama announces academic exchange between Yonsei University and UESD
- Domelevo urges Parliament to pass Conduct of Public Office Holders Law to fight corruption
- It’s wrong and should not continue – Kofi Bentil on Mahama’s use of brother’s jet for official travel
- Minority Raises Concerns over Mining’s GSL Reduction Bill, Urges for Consultation
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang noted that Ghana’s steady expansion of tertiary institutions since independence demonstrates the country’s long-standing recognition of education as a powerful tool for national transformation.
She, however, emphasised the need for stronger institutions and a collective commitment to ensure that education produces measurable benefits for the country.
“Our education challenges us to make tangible improvements in our nation so that we can take pride in our identity and capabilities. This responsibility does not belong only to scholars—it belongs to every person who benefits from our institutions,” she stated.
“We inherit systems, ideas and institutions, and we must strengthen them while contributing something of ourselves to improve them,” she added.
The Distinguished Fellow Award recognises Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s years of dedicated service to the University of Cape Coast and her significant contributions to academia, leadership and national development.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang began her higher education journey at UCC and later rose through the ranks to become Vice-Chancellor, cementing her reputation as one of the country’s most accomplished scholars.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, announced that in recognition of her legacy, a facility at the university will be named in her honour.
The conferment ceremony was conducted by the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Justice William Atuguba, alongside the Chancellor, Sir Sam Jonah, and the university’s leadership.
The ceremony brought together top academics, government officials, security chiefs, traditional authorities, clergy and students from across the university community.
