Sir Sam Jonah, a prominent Ghanaian business executive, has issued a strong warning to universities in Ghana. He stated that institutions continuing to rely on government funding are effectively planning their own collapse. This declaration came during his keynote address at the installation of Professor Denis Aheto as the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) on August 1, 2026.
Jonah emphasized that the era of state subvention for higher education is over. He noted that the public purse, which historically supported these institutions, can no longer sustain them. No future government, regardless of political affiliation, will alter this financial reality soon. Universities must therefore reinvent themselves to create value and generate their own income.
This call for financial independence aligns with broader economic trends in Ghana, where public finances face increasing pressure. The government has been working to reduce its fiscal deficit and reliance on external borrowing. This shift necessitates that public entities, including universities, explore alternative funding models. The move away from state dependency reflects a national drive towards greater self-reliance and efficiency across various sectors.
Sir Sam Jonah explicitly stated, “A university that waits for subvention is a university planning its own funeral.” He urged universities to transform into centers that produce graduates with practical skills. These institutions should also foster innovation and establish strong industry partnerships. He believes universities should no longer act as beggars for state support.
The implications of this warning are significant for Ghana's higher education sector. Universities must now actively pursue revenue-generating ventures and forge stronger links with the private sector. This shift could lead to more applied research, entrepreneurship programs, and vocational training. The focus will be on producing graduates who can immediately contribute to the economy, rather than just possessing theoretical knowledge.
Jonah pointed to Professor Aheto's track record at UCC as a successful model. Professor Aheto has mobilised over 30 million US dollars for the university from one centre. He has also funded more than 400 scholarships and trained over 50 PhDs. This demonstrates that universities can attract significant funding through strategic initiatives and strong leadership.
Beyond financing, Sir Sam also challenged universities to rethink their core purpose in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). He argued that if universities merely transmit knowledge, they risk becoming obsolete. AI can now perform this function better, faster, and cheaper than humans. Universities must instead focus on equipping students with problem-solving skills for real-world challenges.
He proposed that UCC establish Africa's first degree-awarding faculty dedicated to vocational education. This faculty would combine academic rigor with hands-on competence. Other recommendations included AI-driven student innovation clubs, stronger industry partnerships, and diaspora mentorship programs. These initiatives would help bridge the gap between academia and industry needs.
Jonah concluded by urging the University of Cape Coast to embrace this new paradigm. He stated that the old model of the university is passing, and a new one is waiting to be built. He challenged Professor Aheto to be a founder of this new model, not just a caretaker. This vision for higher education emphasizes innovation, self-sufficiency, and relevance in a rapidly changing global landscape.