Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang (NJOA) has challenged Ghana to ensure that its longstanding investment in education leads to meaningful national development.

She made the call on Friday, March 13, 2026, during the inaugural Distinguished Fellow Award Ceremony at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), where she was honoured for her contributions to the institution, her advocacy for education, and her role as a pioneering female leader.

In her acceptance speech, Prof Opoku-Agyemang reflected on Ghana’s historical commitment to education, noting the steady establishment of tertiary institutions since independence as evidence of the country’s belief in the transformative power of learning.

She referenced the founding of the University of Cape Coast by Kwame Nkrumah as a symbol of that commitment.

The vice president stressed that higher education should not be pursued solely for knowledge but must contribute to societal progress.

“Higher education is a privilege, and we must ask whether the knowledge we acquire serves the society that made it possible,” she said.

She urged beneficiaries of the education system to recognise their responsibility to contribute to national growth, adding that strong and effective institutions are essential to Ghana’s long-term development.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang also described nation-building as an intergenerational effort, encouraging each generation to strengthen existing systems and institutions while making its own contributions.

The ceremony marked the first time the University of Cape Coast has awarded the Distinguished Fellow title, with the honour going to its alumna and former vice-chancellor.