We want the best education if possible, and want to maximise our resources in achieving this. Sometimes a scholarship abroad may not work out, or the living expenses may be way too high.

Ghanaian universities offer excellent education as well, two of my children have passed through Ghanaian schools and the last two girls are currently enrolled there as students.

For the middle income earners who have three or more children to send through University or College, a University education in Ghana is a smart way to go. Some advantages of this are listed below

Reduced Traveling costs

One major advantage is the proximity to home and highly reduced transportation costs. You can travel by road or by air. It is therefore easier for the student to come home every holiday or for the family to visit. You can also travel with your teen initially to settle him in.

This is a huge advantage because the cost of traveling prevents many students from seeing their families for sometimes two years or until they graduate.

Sending your teenager to school shouldn’t mean you are only sentenced to video calls and phone conversations. The importance physical contact regularly cannot be over emphasised.

Visa free

The visa issue is also a non issue. Visas have stopped many from pursuing their desired courses abroad. The requirements are steep and there is no guarantee that  it will be issued.

Sometimes the student is issued a visa but his parents may not be issued visas. If you opt for a Ghanaian University, then this hassle is removed. You can even travel with an ECOWAS passport. This for me is a huge advantage of sending your teenager to Ghana.

Culture similarity in the midst of diversity

If you are anxious about your teenager remaining an African in certain regards, or don’t want a culture or lifestyle too far removed from ours, then this is the place to go.

One major worry on the minds of parents is the culture shock and it’s effect on our teenagers.

The beautiful thing about an education in Ghana is that there is still a lot of diversity , with students from different parts of the world and exchange students from the United States and Europe.

This is all in an African setting, so your teenager gets to see the world even in his own turf, but is able to hold his own even as he learns to accommodate others.

Excellent Education

This can never be over emphasised, Ghanaian universities are respected all over the world. Their educational system is excellent. Curriculum s also world standard.

There are no issues of forcing students to buy materials to enrich lecturers. Victimisation is reduced as well.

The teaching assistants do their job, and help students achieve excellent grades.

A lot of combined honours courses are available, and their electives are also versatile. My daughter who studied Environmental Science, did a swimming course as an elective.

Graduates from Ghanaian universities can hold their own anywhere in the world. They really work hard and are given an enabling environment to flourish.

My daughter got a two year masters full scholarship in the US after her first degree in Ghana.

Excellent Facilities

Students accommodation is standard delivery. Facilities well maintained and spacious. No overcrowding of bathrooms and toilets.

For international students, they have special accommodation  with options available depending on your preference.

University of Ghana Legon has laundry facilities for international students. The University of Cape Coast has single occupancy rooms as well.

Sports facilities like a world standard swimming pool, basket ball court and others are available on their campuses.

Reduced Tuition cost.

University Tuition in the US for international students costs on the average between $25,000-$55,000 yearly. Accommodation between $5000-$15,000 per annum. Living expenses cost $10,000-$12,000 per annum, health insurance $30-$140 per month.

This is apart from some other expenses.

For international students in Ghana, tuition fees cost on the average between $4700-$7800 per annum. Accommodation costs range from $500-$2000 per annum. Living expenses average about $1800-$2700 depending on the individual. This is apart from other expenses like the residence permit which costs about $150 annually.

There are other expenses, but these are the major costs.

Comparatively speaking,  the figures speak for themselves. Accommodation fee in the US is tuition fee in Ghana.

Conclusion.

A University Education in Ghana is a smart choice any day. It affords us proximity and helps us maximise our funds to achieve our goals. It is a winning choice really, and should be embraced especially if  affordability is an issue.

Parents shouldn’t get into debt just to fund education, you have your life to live as well.

The truth is that education is one of the ingredients for success not the only ingredient. A whole lot depends on the individual. Ghana is a beautiful place too. Cheers to a smart decision.

Takoradi Ghana