Parliament has passed legislation to rename several public universities, shifting their designations to emphasize their academic specialties and geographic locations.

Passed on Friday, the amendments alter the names of three institutions. The C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences will now be known as the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo. Similarly, the S.D. Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies becomes the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, and the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development is renamed the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi.

The move to rename the C.K. Tedam University, originally established by an Act of Parliament (Act 1000) in August 2019, required a specific amendment to its founding statute.

According to a parliamentary committee report, the changes aim to modernize the institutions' identities in line with global trends.

The bill passed on Friday following a headcount vote. The majority National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus voted overwhelmingly in favour with 154 votes, later rising to 155 after the First Deputy Speaker cast his ballot in support. The minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus largely opposed the measure, registering 25 votes.

This renewed engagement is expected to drive broader investment in Ghana's higher education sector.

The report from the Committee on Education further justified the decision, stating, “Many universities globally are changing names to reflect contemporary values and social justice. By following this trend, the University will enhance its global competitiveness and appeal to international students.”

The renaming strategy seeks to clarify each university's core mission and anchor its identity within its community, positioning them for greater national and international recognition.