Renaming Universities in Ghana: A Legacy or a Political Misstep?

The renaming of universities in Ghana under former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration has sparked controversy. Critics argue that instead of altering existing institutions' names for political purposes, the administration should have prioritized building new universities and naming them as desired. The reversal of these name changes by the current government has reignited the debate over whether such decisions serve national development or political branding.

Renaming Universities vs. Building New Ones

While naming public institutions after distinguished national figures is common practice, many view Akufo-Addo’s renaming of universities as unnecessary political branding rather than a genuine attempt at honoring legacies. Instead of modifying names, resources could have been directed toward expanding access to higher education by constructing new institutions.

For instance, Ghana has seen successful university expansions in the past. The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) were established to address specific educational needs. These institutions were built from the ground up, allowing them to develop unique identities without political interference. Had Akufo-Addo followed this model, he could have left a lasting legacy through tangible educational investment rather than symbolic gestures.

Public and Political Reactions
Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, has been vocal in his criticism, stating that voters already recognize Akufo-Addo’s legacy, making the name changes redundant. Similarly, others have labeled the move as needlessly political, asserting that Ghana’s educational system needed expansion, not symbolic gestures.

The controversy mirrors past instances where political decisions on university naming have led to public backlash. In Nigeria, the renaming of the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012 was met with widespread protests, forcing the government to abandon the change. This example highlights the importance of broad stakeholder consultation before altering institutional identities.

Government’s Rationale vs. Policy Reversal

Francis Asenso-Boakye defended the renaming, saying it honored national figures and strengthened Ghanaian heritage. However, the current government, through Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, has opted to revert universities to their original names, arguing that such changes should not be politically motivated.

The reversal follows similar actions in other countries where governments have sought to depoliticize educational institutions. In South Africa, debates over renaming universities have often centered on whether such changes reflect historical accuracy or political agendas. Ghana’s case underscores the need for a clear policy framework to prevent future administrations from making arbitrary changes.

Lessons for Future Governance
The university renaming controversy raises key questions about governance priorities. Should future leaders focus on expanding infrastructure rather than making symbolic changes? Political branding within academia may set a precedent, making institutions subject to shifts in political cycles rather than long-term educational development.

A more sustainable approach would be to establish clear guidelines for naming public institutions, ensuring that decisions are based on broad consensus rather than political convenience. Countries like Canada and Germany have adopted policies where university names are determined by academic boards and historical significance rather than government directives.

Conclusion
Instead of renaming universities for political reasons, former President Akufo-Addo could have focused on creating new institutions to improve higher education access. While names carry significance, real progress lies in tangible educational investment. The debate serves as a lesson for future governments in balancing legacy-building with concrete developmental policies.

Retired Senior Citizen
Teshie-Nungua
[email protected]