German university leaders visit Ghana to deepen academic ties between both countries

A delegation of 21 presidents, vice-presidents and chancellors of German universities is in Ghana for a high-level visit aimed at strengthening academic cooperation and expanding strategic partnerships between Germany and West Africa.

The visit, organised by the German Academic Exchange Service, brings senior university leaders into direct engagement with Ghanaian institutions and policymakers, with a focus on translating academic exchanges into long-term institutional collaboration.

The move reflects a broader shift in Germany’s international engagement, where academic partnerships with African countries are gaining strategic importance. Ghana, in particular, has positioned itself as a regional hub for higher education and innovation, supported by political stability and sustained investment in academic excellence.

Cooperation between German and Ghanaian universities has grown significantly over the past decade. Institutional partnerships have expanded to 68, while the number of Ghanaian students studying in Germany has more than doubled since 2020 to nearly 3,000. These exchanges continue to underpin research collaboration and knowledge transfer between both countries.

German Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Frederik Landshöft, said the growing academic exchanges are shaping future leadership and strengthening bilateral ties.

“This change empowers the next generation with skills, international experience, and the ability to shape both our societies in an interconnected world,” he said.

“Nearly 3,000 Ghanaian students in Germany are not only pursuing academic excellence; they are also bridging cultures, acting as informal ambassadors of Ghana in Germany and of Germany in Ghana. These exchanges create a dense network of personal connections that form the foundation of resilient, forward-looking partnerships.”

He added that Germany remains committed to expanding cooperation through research, mobility, and investment in young talent.

The visit also highlights the role of the DAAD’s regional office in Accra, established in 2025 to coordinate academic partnerships across West Africa, support research collaboration, and guide students seeking opportunities in Germany.

Secretary General of the DAAD, Kai Sicks, said the organisation is placing renewed emphasis on structured collaboration with Ghanaian institutions.

“DAAD has been active in Ghana and we are in these times particularly trying to strategically prioritize collaborations between German and Ghanaian partners,” he said.

He noted that more than 60 formal university partnerships are currently in place, supported by a broader network of academic relationships, and said the visit aims to deepen these ties.

Sicks added that shared global challenges are creating new opportunities for joint research.

“We’re all dealing with questions of migration, of political polarization, of pandemic prevention, of climate change mitigation, there’s ample opportunity for joint academic engagement in this field.”

The delegation is expected to hold meetings in Accra and Kumasi, engaging universities and exploring new areas for collaboration as both countries seek to strengthen long-term academic and research partnerships.