The Deputy Education Minister, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, underscored the significance of higher education and the role of researchers in driving socio-economic development.

Speaking at the recent launch of the University of Ghana's five-year strategic plan, he referred to the 2020 report by the Education Commission, noting that the global education system faces a crucial juncture where transformative changes are needed across all levels, from pre-primary to tertiary.

Rev Fordjour highlighted the gross tertiary enrollment ratio and the number of researchers per million population as critical indicators of a country’s socio-economic progress.

"In Africa, Mauritius leads with a 40% gross tertiary enrollment ratio, while Ghana and a few other countries follow at around 23%.

"However, many African countries lag significantly behind, with ratios as low as 10% or 5%. To meaningfully transform our continent and our country, we need to achieve a gross tertiary enrollment ratio of 40%," Fordjour stated.

He stressed the importance of valuing higher education and research, lamenting the current trend where some prioritise foreign passports over advanced degrees.

"In an era where someone thinks that a Dutch passport should be more important than a PhD, it's rather unfortunate.

"The number of researchers per million population has a direct impact and correlation with socio-economic development," he remarked.

Ghana currently has approximately 87 researchers per million population, compared to countries like the Netherlands with over 6,074 researchers per million, Canada with 5,054, and Germany with 5,345.

These statistics underscore the need for Ghana to invest more in its research.

Rev Fordjour commended the dedication of Ghanaian scholars who have chosen to pursue PhDs despite the allure of opportunities abroad.

"We must continually salute and motivate our gallant men and women who have chosen our PhDs over some other passports. Many of whom have gathered here today," he said.

The Deputy Minister's remarks provided a compelling backdrop to the University of Ghana's new strategic plan, which aims to transform lives and societies through scholarship, innovation, and impactful discoveries.

By prioritising higher education and research, Ghana seeks to enhance its global standing and drive national development.