The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that President John Dramani Mahama has dedicated a recent grant from the Government of China towards the establishment of new universities across the country.

Speaking at the launch of the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities initiative in Accra, the Minister revealed that President Mahama recently secured 200 million Renminbi (RMB) from China, equivalent to between 27 and 30 million US dollars, to support Ghana’s higher education sector.

Mr Iddrisu disclosed that during the President’s visit to China a few weeks ago, the Chinese government demonstrated what he described as “benevolence and generosity” by offering Ghana the financial package.

“I am happy to announce that President Mahama, a few weeks ago, was in China, and the Chinese government was benevolent and generous enough to give Ghana some 200 million RMB. And then when they looked at the President’s face, and to honour his birthday, they added another 200 million,” he said.

According to the Minister, President Mahama has decided to allocate the funds towards expanding access to tertiary education by establishing new universities in underserved parts of the country.

“The President is aware of my briefing that in some parts of Ghana, access to quality secondary education is a challenge, and access to higher education is still a challenge. The President recognises the continuous role of the Church in partnering the State in the provision of higher education.

"Accordingly, President Mahama is dedicating the 200 million for the start and establishment of a Catholic-size university in Damongo in the Savannah Region,” Mr Iddrisu announced.

He added that two additional universities would be established in Jasikan and Techiman, as part of government’s broader agenda to enhance equitable access to tertiary education across the regions.

The Minister commended the President’s commitment to inclusive and accessible education, emphasising that the new universities would help bridge regional disparities and support national development.