GEPA Engages Tertiary Institutions on International Student Recruitment Drive

The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has taken a strategic step to consolidate and position Ghana as a hub for international students education.  An engagement session with 25 selected higher institutions of learning across the country on international students recruitment, provided the platform for Mr. Raymond Rashid Kramer, the deputy CEO of GEPA in charge of Human Resource and Administration and various directors to interact with key actors in the education space.

Key Themes from the Session

During the session, Mr. Kramer representing the Chief Executive Officer, Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur Esq, emphasized the importance of leveraging Ghana’s existing education system to attract international students. He highlighted the need for collaboration between GEPA and educational institutions to promote education, under the broader “Service Export Initiative.” The initiative aims to facilitate the growth of the education sector by making Ghana a competitive destination for international students education.

GEPA’s Vision for Ghana’s Tertiary Education Sector

GEPA’s objective is to facilitate and promote Ghana’s tertiary education system to attract more international students. A significant aspect of this initiative is the establishment of a Ghanaian university in another country, as well as enhancing the country’s capacity to host international students. With a robust English-speaking population, a flourishing tourism sector, and a welcoming business environment, Ghana presents a compelling case for international students seeking quality education and internationalization.

Previous Recruitment Efforts

GEPA’s commitment to international student recruitment dates back to 2017 when a recruitment exercise was conducted alongside merchandized products exhibition. This was followed by solo drives in 2019 and 2022 with promising results. Ghana is already home to many Nigerian students, and GEPA aims to build on this foundation by establishing a strong presence in Nigeria. The Director of Services and Manufactures, Mr. Banda Abdallah Z. Khalifa shared insights on previous recruitment efforts, particularly the Lagos recruitment drives, which brought together top tier second cycle institutions in Lagos to the program.

Strengthening Collaboration

GEPA emphasized the importance of partnerships with educational institutions and stakeholders to establish Ghana as a leading international education hub. The session invited stakeholders to share ideas, collaborate on data sharing, and explore the opportunities within Ghana’s education sector. Representatives from various universities shared their experiences from solo recruitment drives and contributed insights on key focus areas for future international recruitment.

Prospects and Expansion Plans

GEPA’s collaborative efforts in promoting Ghana’s education sector are set to enhance the country’s global reputation as a preferred destination for international students. The ongoing discussions and partnerships will play a crucial role in realizing this vision and ensuring sustainable growth in the tertiary education sector.