Every year, universities in Ghana are ranked by several institutions such as Webometrics, AD Scientific Index, and many others. This can be confusing when determining the overall best universities in Ghana. To address this, the overall top ten universities in Ghana are determined using three criteria: the quality of tuition, the infrastructure, and the international recognition of the university.
This article is not going to rank the Universities but to inform readers about some of the top universities in Ghana
The University of Professional Studies (UPSA) is a public university in Accra established in 1965. It is the first university in Ghana to provide both academic and business professional education. UPSA has a strong reputation in professional accountancy and management, with many graduates in key leadership positions.
Ashesi University is a private institution located in the serene Berekuso Hills in the Eastern Region. It stands out among private universities in Ghana for its quality tuition, student-led initiatives, and real-world projects that prepare students for the challenges in their communities and beyond.
Ghana Communication Technology University, which became a full public university in 2020, is technology-oriented and committed to providing high-quality educational experiences. It aims to become a center of excellence for training scientists and technologists.
The University of Mines and Technology, established in 1952 and located in Tarkwa, focuses on mining, petroleum technology, and other disciplines. It promotes knowledge through active research and offers professional services to the mining industry.
The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), established as a joint project between the Government of Ghana and the United Nations, offers quality tuition and courses in public and business administration.
The University of Education, Winneba, established in 1992, aims to train teachers and produce professional educators for Ghana’s educational system. It offers quality education with experienced lecturers and excellent infrastructure on its campuses.
The University for Development Studies, established in 1992 and located in Tamale, offers quality tuition with a unique system where the third trimester is devoted to practical fieldwork in local communities.
The University of Cape Coast, established in 1962, originally aimed to train graduate teachers but has expanded to include training in various professional fields. It consistently ranks highly among Ghanaian universities.
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), established in 1961 and located in Kumasi, offers quality and affordable tuition with excellent facilities. It consistently ranks as the second-best university in Ghana.
The University of Ghana, established in 1948 and located in Accra, is the oldest and largest public university in Ghana. It offers a wide range of programs and is recognized for its excellent tuition and infrastructure. It is consistently ranked as the best university in Ghana and among the top in Africa and the world.
Below are summary (not ranking
Table of Contents
Toggle1. University of Ghana (UG)
- Location: Legon, Accra
- Founded: 1948
- Strengths: Diverse programs, strong research output, international collaborations
- Highlights: It has multiple campuses, state-of-the-art facilities, and notable alumni across various fields. The university’s research institutes are well-recognized globally.
2. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
- Location: Kumasi
- Founded: 1951
- Strengths: Science and technology education, innovation
- Highlights: KNUST is renowned for its contributions to engineering, architecture, and biomedical sciences. The university supports numerous startups and research projects.
3. University of Cape Coast (UCC)
- Location: Cape Coast
- Founded: 1962
- Strengths: Teacher education, social sciences, and natural sciences
- Highlights: UCC has a strong emphasis on teacher training and education, making significant contributions to Ghana’s educational sector. It also has robust programs in marine and fisheries sciences.
4. University for Development Studies (UDS)
- Location: Tamale
- Founded: 1992
- Strengths: Community-based education, fieldwork
- Highlights: UDS integrates practical fieldwork into its curriculum, focusing on development studies and addressing local community challenges.
5. University of Education, Winneba (UEW)
- Location: Winneba
- Founded: 1992
- Strengths: Education and teacher training
- Highlights: UEW specializes in training teachers and educational professionals, offering programs across multiple campuses in Winneba, Kumasi, and Mampong.
6. Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)
- Location: Accra
- Founded: 1961
- Strengths: Public administration, business management
- Highlights: GIMPA is known for its high-quality professional education in management, public administration, and governance, attracting students from across Africa.
7. University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA)
- Location: Accra
- Founded: 1965
- Strengths: Professional accountancy, management
- Highlights: UPSA combines academic and professional education, producing graduates who are leaders in the accounting and business sectors.
8. Ashesi University
- Location: Berekuso
- Founded: 2002
- Strengths: Liberal arts education, ethical leadership
- Highlights: Ashesi is a private university known for its innovative curriculum, focus on ethics and leadership, and commitment to fostering critical thinking and entrepreneurship.
9. Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU)
- Location: Accra
- Founded: 2005 (became public in 2020)
- Strengths: Technology and communication
- Highlights: GCTU is focused on providing top-notch education in ICT and engineering, contributing significantly to the tech industry in Ghana.
10. University of Mines and Technology (UMaT)
- Location: Tarkwa
- Founded: 1952
- Strengths: Mining, petroleum engineering
- Highlights: UMaT is a leading institution for mining and geological engineering, playing a vital role in Ghana’s mining sector through research and skilled graduates.
These universities each bring unique strengths and specializations, contributing significantly to higher education and development in Ghana.