Gov't initiates moves to reverse names of public universities changed by Akufo-Addo

The government is preparing a new bill for Parliament. This bill will change the names of C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS) and other public universities.

Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, announced this during a ceremony in Accra. He was swearing in the Governing Council of CKT-UTAS.

CKT-UTAS was established in 2021. Its goal is to equip students with practical skills for global jobs. However, the university faces many infrastructural challenges that hinder its progress.

Some stakeholders have protested against the university's name since it began. They believe it does not reflect their values or vision.

The Minister stated that renaming is part of a broader policy review. This review will evaluate names of public universities from former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration.

Iddrisu mentioned that extensive consultations have taken place. These included academic members, traditional leaders, alumni bodies, student representatives, and civil society organizations. As a result, CKT-UTAS may be renamed to align with its original founding vision.

A general bill will soon be presented to Parliament. This bill will consider renaming various public universities from Akufo-Addo’s tenure.

The Minister clarified that this move does not diminish anyone's contributions. He emphasized that the renaming aims to align with each institution's founding principles and historical identities.

The formal renaming process will begin when the bill is tabled in Parliament.