On October 21, 2025, Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader in Parliament, announced a significant directive from the cabinet regarding the names of public universities in Ghana. According to Ayariga, a decision has been made to reverse the name changes implemented by the Akufo-Addo administration. This move is seen as an attempt to restore the original names of these institutions, which were renamed in honor of notable figures during the previous administration.
Ayariga emphasized that a formal bill would soon be presented to Parliament to effect these changes officially. He stated, “Mr. Speaker, there has been a cabinet directive to change the names of all the universities that were renamed after individuals back to the original names they were given.” Such a legislative action underscores the government’s commitment to revising past decisions regarding the naming of educational institutions.
Several public universities and polytechnics underwent renaming during the Akufo-Addo administration, receiving new titles that honored prominent national personalities. Highlights included the University of Mines and Technology, which became the George Grant University of Mines and Technology, and the Wa campus of the University for Development Studies, renamed the Simon Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies. However, this renaming exercise was met with criticism, particularly from opposition parties, who argued that it seemed politically motivated and selective in nature.
As talks of reversing these name changes gain momentum, the educational landscape in Ghana could be poised for a significant transformation.