Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international collaboration in higher education and research as part of efforts to drive national development and innovation.
Speaking at the Ghana–Norway Academic Programme held at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) Conference Facility at the University of Ghana, Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Abas Apaak underscored the importance of sustained partnerships in addressing global and local challenges.
He described the Ghana–Norway relationship as a critical platform for advancing knowledge, innovation and human capital development, noting that no country can achieve sustainable growth without investing in research and education.
“The collaboration between Ghana and Norway is not just timely, it is essential to shaping the future of higher education and research,” Dr. Apaak said.
The programme, themed “Strengthening Collaboration in Higher Education and Research,” brought together government officials, diplomats, academics and students to explore ways of enhancing bilateral academic cooperation.
Dr. Apaak highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) and the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation (NOREC), which he said have significantly contributed to improving research output and building institutional capacity in Ghana.
According to him, the partnership has led to the introduction of new postgraduate programmes, improved research infrastructure and increased global visibility for Ghanaian universities.
He noted that joint research efforts between Ghanaian and Norwegian institutions are already yielding practical solutions in key sectors, including climate change, water resource management, public health and coastal development.
“These collaborations are not just academic exercises. They are addressing real development challenges and contributing directly to national priorities,” he added.
The Deputy Minister further indicated that government will intensify support for research and innovation while strengthening linkages between academia and industry to ensure that research findings are translated into policy and practice.
He also emphasised the role of students and young researchers as key drivers of future innovation, urging them to take advantage of such partnerships to build skills and contribute to national development.
Dr. Apaak concluded by describing the Ghana–Norway partnership as a model for effective international cooperation, calling for deeper collaboration and sustained commitment to achieving measurable impact.
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