From mission to academia: The Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s influence on Higher Education Policy and Practice

Abstract

This study used an exploratory qualitative design to examine the rationale behind the establishment of tertiary institutions by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) and its contributions to higher education in Ghana. Using purposive sampling, data were gathered from 20 participants, including church leaders, education administrators, and policymakers. The findings revealed that while the PCG was not the first to introduce tertiary education in Ghana, it was among the earliest faith-based organisations to establish such institutions. The Church significantly expanded access through the creation of five Colleges of Education, the Akrofi-Christaller University College of Theology, Mission and Culture at Akropong-Akwapim, and the Presbyterian University, inaugurated in 2004. The study highlights the PCG’s transformative role in promoting equitable access, moral development, and intellectual growth. Its implications extend locally and internationally, offering valuable insights into how faith-based institutions can complement state efforts to advance inclusive tertiary education in sub-Saharan Africa.