Accra, Ghana – The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, Mr. Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, has expressed the Committee’s willingness to work with relevant government ministries to secure tax waivers on educational materials and equipment for private universities in Ghana.
This assurance was given during a working visit to three private tertiary institutions in Accra: Wisconsin International University College Ghana, Accra College of Medicine, and Regent University College of Science and Technology.
Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe acknowledged growing concerns from private university managements about the financial burden of taxes on essential academic tools. He said the Committee would engage with the Ministries of Finance and Education to explore viable support strategies.
“There should be a partnership between government and private universities,” he said. “We’ll continue to engage with the Ministers of Education and Finance to see what they can do for them. It may not require legislation, but rather a mutual understanding to secure that exemption.”
He commended the contributions of private universities to the nation’s educational sector, noting that they play a vital role in complementing government efforts to expand access to quality education. “Government cannot do it alone, which is why we appreciate what they do,” he added.
The Chairman also highlighted the importance of support for underprivileged students and encouraged institutions to guide them in accessing student loans or assistance through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
At Wisconsin International University College Ghana, Dr. Lawrence Kannae, Vice President of the institution, appealed for the government to extend research grants to faculty members in private universities. He emphasized the role of research in building world-class institutions and called for an amendment to the GETFund Act to enable private universities to benefit.
“A university without a strong research background cannot be among the best. We also contribute to the production of human resources for this country and beyond, so we deserve assistance in this regard,” Dr. Kannae said.
He also noted that the institution supports many brilliant but financially challenged students through scholarships and enhanced academic attention.
The visit formed part of the Committee’s efforts to better understand the challenges facing private tertiary institutions and identify practical interventions to enhance their contributions to Ghana’s educational development.
