University of Gold Coast Launches Executive PhD as Ghana Scholarships Authority and NSMQ Qualifiers Drive Academic Momentum

Ghana’s higher education landscape is set for a significant expansion with the University of Gold Coast (UGC) announcing the launch of its Executive Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration. Based at the Accra International Doctoral College, the program is scheduled to enroll its first cohort in October 2026. Designed for senior managers, entrepreneurs, and academics, the 96-credit curriculum aims to foster homegrown research to address Africa's unique business and governance challenges. This move toward specialized leadership training was mirrored at the 2026 graduation ceremony of Nobel International Business University (NiBS), where Dr. Joseph Whittal, Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), urged graduates to prioritize integrity and accountability. Among the NiBS graduates was Dr. Yusif Sulemana, Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi and Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, who celebrated his achievement under the theme "Excellence Beyond Borders."

In secondary education, the race for the 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) national championship is intensifying following successful regional qualifiers. Sogakope Senior High School delivered a dominant performance in the Volta Region, scoring 74 points to outclass Battor SHS and Mafi Kumase SHTS. Meanwhile, in the Bono East Region, Techiman SHS led the pack with 60 points, qualifying alongside Akumfi Ameyaw SHTS, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Girls’ SHS, and Tuobodom SHTS. Complementing these academic competitions, the Ghana Scholarships Authority (GSA) has commenced interviews for the 2026/2027 Local Tertiary Scholarship Scheme. The GSA has emphasized that the application process remains free of charge, warning students against third-party entities attempting to collect fees for scholarship placement.

Community-led initiatives are also addressing critical infrastructure and literacy gaps across the country. In the Ashanti Region, Asanko Gold Ghana Limited, in partnership with the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, launched a literacy project in the Amansie West and South Districts to reverse declining reading standards through teacher training and the provision of Ghana Education Service-approved materials. Similarly, in Ablekuma, the Good Shepherd Methodist Church Men’s Fellowship funded a GH₵25,000 mechanized borehole and water tank for the Good Shepherd Methodist School Complex, aimed at improving student hygiene and reducing the school's reliance on commercial water tankers.

Despite these advancements, the sector faces ongoing challenges regarding inclusivity and administrative transparency. At the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), graduate students expressed frustration over the postponement of GRASAG elections to late July 2026, citing delays in the release of the voters' register. On a more personal level, the story of 23-year-old Tanor Hayford has sparked calls for educational reform; Hayford was reportedly denied admission to multiple schools due to his physical appearance, highlighting the need for greater protection against prejudice in the Ghanaian school system. As the 2026/2027 academic year approaches, these developments underscore a dual narrative of institutional growth and the persistent need for social equity in education.