High tuition in private universities linked to capital costs, says Prof. Takyiwaa Manu

High tuition fees at private universities in Ghana are largely driven by capital expenditure requirements, according to Professor Emeritus Takyiwaa Manu, Chairperson of the “Motivating Higher Education in Ghana Towards Equity and Sustainability” initiative.

Speaking at a policy dialogue on the sustainability of private universities, Prof. Manu noted that prohibitive interest rates on bank loans discourage private university owners from borrowing funds to build their institutions, opting instead to use their own capital—a cost that is ultimately passed on to students in the form of higher tuition fees.

Prof. Manu emphasized the important role private universities play in Ghana’s education landscape. Without these institutions, she explained, public universities would be overwhelmed, as they are unable to accommodate the growing number of applicants.

This demand is particularly high for career-orientated courses, which many students seek but cannot always access in public institutions.

To make private education more affordable, Prof. Manu urged the government to offer tax exemptions to private universities, allowing them to lower tuition costs for students who are unable to secure placements in public universities.

Prof. Manu, also a law professor and human rights advocate, made these statements during the policy forum, underscoring the need for sustainable financial structures for private higher education in Ghana.

In support, Professor Kofi Opoku Nti, President of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, echoed these concerns, calling for equal funding opportunities for students in private institutions.

He argued that government funding, similar to that received by public university students, would alleviate disparities in financial support and foster a more equitable educational system.

The event highlighted key financial challenges faced by Ghana’s private universities and the urgent need for policy interventions to create a more inclusive and sustainable higher education sector.