Stories and facts
Founded in 1948, the University of Ghana has emerged as a beacon of academic excellence, fostering critical thinking, innovation, and leadership among its students and faculty.
The origins of the University of Ghana can be traced back to the establishment of the University College of the Gold Coast, which was affiliated with the University of London. On August 11, 1948, the University College was inaugurated, becoming the first tertiary educational institution in the British-ruled Gold Coast (now Ghana). Its mission was to provide education to a small number of students in the arts, sciences, and medicine.
As the demand for higher education increased, the University College expanded its programs and facilities. In 1961, the institution gained full university status and was renamed the University of Ghana. This change marked a significant milestone, solidifying the university's independence and enabling it to chart its own academic course.
The University of Ghana has consistently pursued excellence in various academic disciplines. It has cultivated an environment conducive to cutting-edge research, critical thinking, and innovation. The university is renowned for its faculties of arts, sciences, social sciences, business, and law, among others. Throughout its history, it has produced distinguished scholars, notable alumni, and impactful research that has contributed to the advancement of knowledge and the socio-economic development of Ghana and Africa as a whole.
The university has expanded its infrastructure and facilities over the years to accommodate the growing student population and the increasing demand for higher education. Today, the University of Ghana consists of several campuses, including the main campus at Legon and satellite campuses in Korle-Bu, Accra City, and the Kumasi City Campus. These campuses provide modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, libraries, sports facilities, and residential halls to support a holistic learning experience for students.
The University of Ghana in Accra has established collaborations with numerous organizations to advance research, education, and development across various fields. Some of these institutions are the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), African Development Bank (AfDB), International Monetary Fund (IMF), European Union (EU), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) among others.
Some of the notable alumni of the University of Ghana are Kofi Annan, who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 for his work promoting global peace and human rights. John Atta Mills, another notable alumnus, was the President of Ghana from 2009 until his passing in 2012. He focused on strengthening democratic institutions and promoting economic development. Ama Ata Aidoo, a renowned author, obtained her degree in English from the university and is known for her works that shed light on social issues and cultural norms. Kwame Anthony Appiah, a distinguished philosopher, completed his studies in philosophy and literature at the university and has authored influential books on ethics and globalization.
The University of Ghana places great emphasis on community engagement and social impact. Through various outreach programs and initiatives, the university works closely with local communities, addressing societal challenges and contributing to national development. It collaborates with government agencies, NGOs, and industry partners to promote sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and the overall well-being of society.
Balme Library is the main library at the University of Ghana, located on the Legon campus in Accra. Named after the university's first principal, David Mowbray Balme, the library is a vital resource for students, faculty, and researchers. It offers a wide range of academic materials and services, including books, journals, periodicals, and electronic resources covering various disciplines. The library provides study spaces, computer labs, and group study rooms for research and collaboration. It also offers services such as reference assistance, interlibrary loan, document delivery, and access to online databases and e-journals. Balme Library supports the academic community at the university and plays a crucial role in facilitating learning, research, and access to information for undergraduate and postgraduate students, faculty, and researchers.
The University of Ghana offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs in various fields of study.
College of Basic and Applied Sciences
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Actuarial Science, Statistics, and Earth Science
Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
College of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB, ChB)
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
College of Humanities
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English, French, Linguistics, Archaeology and Heritage Studies, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Information Studies, Theatre Arts, Music, and Dance
Bachelor of Fine Arts
College of Education
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, Junior High School Education, Psychology and Foundations of Education
Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise Science
College of Basic and Applied Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine
Business School
Bachelor of Science in Administration (BSc Admin) with options in Accounting, Banking and Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Public Administration
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSc Business Admin) with options in Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management, and Marketing
School of Law
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with French
The university also provides a range of postgraduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, across various disciplines.
Since its inception, the University of Ghana has played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana's educational landscape and making significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge in Africa. With its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation, and community engagement, the university continues to be a beacon of intellectual growth and progress. As it moves forward, the University of Ghana remains dedicated to nurturing future generations of leaders, driving positive change, and elevating the status of African education o
