Parliament Approves Reversal of Three University Names Introduced Under Akufo-Addo Administration

Ferdinand | EducationGhana | December 20 | Parliament Approves Reversal of Three University Names Introduced Under Akufo-Addo Administration

Ghana’s Parliament has approved bills reversing the names of three public universities renamed under the Akufo-Addo administration, restoring mandate-based and politically neutral institutional identities.Ghana’s Parliament has approved legislative amendments to change the names of three public universities that were renamed during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.The approval was granted at Friday’s sitting on December 19, 2025, following the passage of three separate bills. The new laws remove personal honours attached to the institutions and restore names that reflect their academic focus and development mandate rather than individual political figures.

Universities Affected by the Name Changes

The approved changes are as follows: 1. Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, WaNow renamed University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa2. C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, NavrongoNow renamed University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo3. Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, KumasiNow renamed University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi

Government Policy Context

The reversals form part of a policy direction announced earlier in 2025 by the National Democratic Congress government.The policy sought to review and undo what it described as partisan renaming of public institutions under the previous New Patriotic Party administration.According to the government, the universities were named after individuals closely associated with the Danquah Busia Dombo political tradition.These include Simon Diedong Dombo, a founding member of the Northern People’s Party, Clement Kubindiwor Tedam, a former chairman of the NPP Council of Elders, and Akenten Appiah-Menka, an industrialist and politician.While acknowledging their contributions to national development, the government has argued that naming public universities after political figures risks drawing partisan divisions into academic environments.

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Rationale from Government Leadership

President John Dramani Mahama’s administration has maintained that public universities should carry neutral identities that emphasise their educational and developmental missions.Earlier in the year, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, together with the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, indicated that legislative action would follow broad consultations.These engagements involved university councils, academic staff, traditional authorities, alumni groups, and civil society organisations.

Mixed Parliamentary Reactions

Members of the Majority Caucus supported the bills, describing the changes as necessary to protect institutional neutrality and reduce political symbolism in higher education.The Minority NPP Caucus opposed the decision, arguing that it undermines the legacy of the Akufo-Addo administration and withdraws recognition from individuals they consider key contributors to Ghana’s socio economic development.

Immediate Implementation

The amended names will take effect immediately after gazetting. The affected universities are expected to update their official records, academic documents, branding, and signage to reflect the new identities.