The University of Ghana’s College of Education (CoE) has disclosed that it is facing low enrolment at its newly established city campuses in Kumasi and Takoradi, despite efforts to expand access to tertiary education beyond Accra.
The two satellite campuses, created to widen opportunities for prospective students across the country, have so far recorded minimal student turnout—a situation the college describes as an early challenge it hopes to overcome.
Provost of the College of Education, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, revealed this during the college’s Staff and Students Awards and Dinner Dance.
“As far as the college is concerned, right now we are looking at establishing city campuses. I’m sure you are aware we’ve established a city campus in Kumasi and another one in Takoradi to complement the one already here in Accra. We are having a few challenges with attracting students because we just started about a year ago. But we are hopeful that this year the numbers will increase, and then we will be able to expand the facilities we have,” he said.
As part of efforts to boost opportunities for learners, Professor Codjoe also announced the upcoming launch of a Digital Youth Village—an initiative between the University of Ghana and the Government to train young people in coding, digital literacy, and employable tech skills.
“We are establishing the Digital Youth Village, which will train a lot of youth and contribute significantly to reducing unemployment. It will be opened up for students who are interested. The president spoke about producing more coders in the country, and this is our response. The ministries are helping us put up the structure, and I would say it’s about 80 percent complete,” he added.
Meanwhile, speaking to Univers News, Associate Professor and Coordinator for International Programmes at the University of Ghana, Professor Simon Peter Kafui Aheto—recipient of the Meritorious Award in the Senior Members category—reflected on his contributions to elevating the college globally.
“I’ve tried to position the college on the international map. The least opportunity I get, I sell the university through the college. One flagship achievement is helping us secure strategic partners such as Tallinn University, the University of Leeds, St. Louis University, and several others. I’ve also championed exchange programmes for both students and staff. Last year, I facilitated an exchange programme for about four to six colleagues, including administrators, senior members, and senior staff, and I’m now focusing on opportunities for students and junior staff as well,” he noted.
Going forward, the College of Education plans to institutionalise the awards ceremony as an annual tradition aimed at motivating staff and students to pursue excellence, even as the college continues its efforts to expand access to quality higher education across Ghana.
The 2025 Awards and Dinner Dance also recognised more than 45 staff and students for their contributions to the growth and visibility of the college. Awardees received plaques, citations, laptops, flat-screen TVs, and cash prizes.
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Story by Wonder Mansah Agbengu | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Oliver Arthur Acorlor and Gabriel Tecco Mensah
