Exploring the challenges of university council independence in Ghana’s higher education architecture

Enoch Danso Okyere; Emmanuel Erastus Yamoah; Francis Ansah; Hinneh Kusi

doi:10.51867/AQSSR.2.4.40

Authors

Enoch Danso Okyere University of Education, Winneba, Ghana Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3332-0193
Emmanuel Erastus Yamoah University of Education, Winneba, Ghana Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5015-5162
Francis Ansah University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6876-8943
Hinneh Kusi University of Education, Winneba, Ghana Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4009-5961

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.2.4.40

Keywords:

Autonomy, Academic Freedom, Government Influence, Higher Education Governance, New Public Management, Public University, University Council Independence

Abstract

This study explores the challenges of university council independence in Ghana’s public universities, prompted by proposed legislative reforms increasing government oversight. The study is anchored on the principal-agent theory. Using an exploratory qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 key informants, including government, faculty members, non-faculty members, and student representatives from Ghana’s five oldest public universities. Thematic and document analysis revealed that government influence, through regulatory constraints, financial control, and appointment powers, restricts council autonomy. It is proposed that independent funding boards must be created to monitor the flow of funding, which will lessen dependency on government subsidies. Public-private partnership initiatives, which encourage industrial partnerships to finance infrastructure and research, should be promoted. To ensure fair representation and diminish political influence, public universities must set clear guidelines for council appointees. Additionally, efforts should be made to implement fee regulation mechanisms, such as limiting tuition hikes and expanding student scholarship opportunities, particularly under increased university autonomy. By highlighting the necessity of striking a balance between autonomy and accountability, these findings contribute to the global discourse on higher education governance.

Author Biographies

Emmanuel Erastus Yamoah, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

Prof. Emmanuel Erastus Yamoah holds a PhD in Business Administration with specialisation in Human Resource Management. He is an Associate Professor of Business Administration at the University of Education, Winneba, where he currently serves as the Vice Dean of the School of Business.
Francis Ansah, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

Dr Francis Ansah is a Senior Research Fellow at the UNESCO Category II Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA) at the University of Cape Coast. Ghana.
Hinneh Kusi, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

Prof. Hinne Kusi is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at the Department of Educational Administration and Management, University of Education, Winneba. He is currently the Dean of the School of Education and Life-long Learning, University of Education, Winneba.

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