Educational stakeholders and other dignitaries attended the event
The Ghana-Norway academic programme, which has been in existence for years, has produced scholars who are contributing significantly to the growth of higher education in the country.
On April 17, 2026, an event was held to highlight its impact.
The programme, spearheaded by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor in partnership with the Norwegian Embassy, was themed “Strengthening the collaboration between Ghana and Norway in Higher Education and Research.”
Stakeholders and alumni shared their experiences and discussed ways to enhance the partnership.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, acknowledged that the programme has grown steadily over the years, contributing to the development of higher education.
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She emphasised that its impact extends beyond the classroom, with projects that have contributed to the public good.
“While today’s focus is higher education and research, we are mindful that bilateral cooperation of this kind is most powerful when it is holistic—touching lives not only through classrooms and laboratories, but also through development partnerships, people-to-people exchanges, and knowledge for public good. The presence of the embassy, NORAD project teams, and alumni here today is testimony to the maturity of this partnership.
“The programme highlights several NORAD-supported initiatives that reflect both relevance and impact. These include building capacity to link coastal pollution with climate change, Midwifery Research and Education Development (MEDRED), capacity building in aquatic and environmental health in West Africa (Water Essence Africa), as well as the ecosystem-based management of coastal marine resources (ECOGIVE project). These are not abstract ideas,” Prof. Amfo said.
The Norwegian Ambassador to Ghana, John Mikal Kvistad, also shared insights into the programme and its influence on research activities in the country.
He stressed that the ties between Ghana and Norway will be further strengthened to invest in research initiatives and improve the standard of higher education.
“That is why initiatives like Nored, the Norwegian programme for capacity development in higher education and research, are so important. Nored is not just a funding mechanism—it is a bridge between institutions, researchers, and nations. It supports not only knowledge creation but also knowledge sharing, ensuring that solutions are developed together and are relevant to the communities they serve.
“These projects tackle issues such as coastal management, water systems, climate change, and health—issues that affect daily life here in Ghana. Through collaboration, research is translated into action. I would also like to highlight the importance of dialogue and exchange, which this event promotes. Bringing together researchers, PhD students, faculty, administrators, policymakers, and development partners creates a unique space where ideas meet experience and innovation can truly take root,” he noted.
The Deputy Minister of Education Dr Clement Apaak commended Norway for the initiative, stressing that the government of Ghana will continue to support it.
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