The number of Ghanaians pursuing higher education in the United States has seen a significant increase over the past six years. According to the Ag Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, this number has more than tripled, rising from about 4,000 in the 2019/20 academic year to 12,800 in the 2024/25 academic year. This growth demonstrates a strong interest among Ghanaian students in US higher education.
Ghana now ranks as the second-highest sender of students from sub-Saharan Africa to the United States, after Nigeria, and 14th globally. The increase in Ghanaian students studying in the US has been substantial, with an annual increase of between 2,500 and 3,000 students in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. This upward trend highlights the ability of Ghanaian students to gain admission and succeed in American institutions.
The growing presence of Ghanaian students in US institutions has become notable, with some colleges and universities reporting a significant increase in enrollment. For instance, when Mr. Olson attended a small college in Minnesota in the 1990s, there were no Ghanaian students. However, during a recent visit, he found that Ghanaians had become the largest international student population at the institution, which now includes "Akwaaba" among its welcome messages.
To facilitate interactions between prospective students and US universities, the US Embassy, in partnership with EducationUSA, organized the 2026 EducationUSA College Fair in Accra. The fair provided a platform for students and their families to engage with representatives of US universities, receive information on admissions, scholarships, and student visas, and gain a clearer understanding of the programs and opportunities available.
The Executive Director of ACE Consult and Senior EducationUSA Adviser, Marilyn Owusu, emphasized that the fair was designed to give students direct access to admissions officers from participating US institutions. This direct interaction enables prospective applicants to obtain accurate and comprehensive information about the universities they intend to apply to. EducationUSA also offers guidance on the application process and operates two centers in Ghana.
The Director for Pre-Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, Nana Baffour, noted that the fair presented Ghanaian students with an opportunity to explore programs that matched their educational and career aspirations. He encouraged prospective applicants to carefully consider the programs offered by universities, available scholarships, and how their chosen fields aligned with their long-term goals.
The educational relationship between Ghana and the United States has existed for many years, and it is expected to continue. Opportunities for Ghanaian students to pursue higher education abroad can help ease pressure on local institutions, which have faced challenges due to high demand. The US Embassy reported nearly 3,000 visitors at the Kumasi fair, with a comparable turnout expected in Accra.
Key points
- The number of Ghanaians studying in US higher education institutions has risen from 4,000 in 2019/20 to 12,800 in 2024/25.
- Ghana now ranks as the second-highest sender of students from sub-Saharan Africa to the United States, after Nigeria, and 14th globally.
- The 2026 EducationUSA College Fair was held in Kumasi and Accra, providing a platform for prospective students to interact with US universities.
