The US Embassy in Ghana, in collaboration with EducationUSA, recently hosted the annual EducationUSA College and University Fair in Accra. The event brought together over 30 accredited colleges and universities from the United States to engage Ghanaian students on opportunities to pursue higher education in the US. The fair provided students with information on admissions, scholarships, financial aid, and student visa processes. This event followed a similar engagement in Kumasi the previous day.
Addressing the gathering, the Acting Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, Mr Rolf Olson, emphasized the significance of the event in connecting students and parents directly with representatives of US institutions. He noted that with over 3,000 higher education institutions in the US, such engagements were essential for making informed choices. Mr Olson also highlighted that the US was marking its 250th anniversary of independence, reflecting on the values that had shaped the country, particularly the conviction that opportunities should be available to those willing to work for them.
The number of Ghanaian students in the US has seen a significant increase, according to Mr Olson. He stated that the current figure represented a substantial rise from about 4,000 Ghanaian students recorded in the 2019/20 academic year, the last academic year before the COVID-19 pandemic. This growth demonstrates the quality of Ghanaian students and the commitment of families to education, while reflecting the importance the US Embassy placed on educational exchange.
Mr Olson encouraged students who secured admission to US institutions to apply for their student visas as early as possible. He also mentioned that the fair included sessions on university applications, financial aid, and the consular visa process. These sessions aimed to guide students through the application process and provide them with accurate information.
The Executive Director of ACE Consult and Senior EducationUSA Adviser, Ms Merilyn Owusu, highlighted that the US Embassy had worked with EducationUSA to organise the fair annually for the past five years. She explained that the initiative enabled students to interact directly with admissions officers and obtain accurate information to guide their applications. Ms Owusu also noted that EducationUSA helped students understand US higher education institutions, supported applications, and guided them throughout the process.
The Director of Pre-Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, Nana Baffour Awuah, urged Ghanaian students to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the fair. He advised students to examine the programmes offered by US universities, explore scholarships, and ensure that their choices aligned with their aspirations. Nana Awuah stated that students who acquired skills abroad and returned home could contribute to Ghana’s development and help reduce pressure on local educational institutions.
The fair was free, and Ms Owusu encouraged prospective students who could not attend to contact EducationUSA offices in Accra and Kumasi for assistance. The event was part of efforts to expand access to higher education opportunities in the US for students across Ghana. Key points include:
Key points
- Over 30 accredited US colleges and universities attended the EducationUSA College and University Fair in Accra.
- The number of Ghanaian students in the US has seen a significant increase from 4,000 in the 2019/20 academic year.
- The fair provided students with information on admissions, scholarships, financial aid, and student visa processes.
