US Embassy Opens EducationUSA Centre in Accra to Support Ghanaian Students
The United States Embassy in Accra has officially inaugurated a new EducationUSA Centre to assist Ghanaian students seeking higher education opportunities in the United States. The centre, located in Osu-Accra, was opened on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, as part of the US Government’s global network of 450 centres operating in 170 countries.
EducationUSA provides comprehensive, current, and impartial information on US higher education. Its services include personalized advising, workshops on standardized test preparation, and guidance on student visa applications. This marks the second EducationUSA Centre in Ghana, with the first located in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
The opening ceremony was attended by US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer; the Chief Director of the Ministry of Education, Maamle Andrews; and the Osu Mantse, Professor Notse Nii Nortey Owuo IV.
In her remarks, Ambassador Palmer underscored the US government’s commitment to strengthening educational and cultural ties with Ghana. She highlighted the role of education in fostering bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of equipping Ghanaian students with the tools they need to succeed academically and contribute to their communities.
“Ghana ranks 18th among countries with the most students in the United States, and last year alone, Ghanaian students earned nearly $9.2 million (GHS 145 million) in scholarships to study in over 680 institutions across all 50 US states,” Ambassador Palmer stated. She also noted that the US Embassy conducted 10,000 student interviews over the summer to ensure timely arrivals for classes.
Chief Director Maamle Andrews expressed her enthusiasm about the centre’s opening, describing it as a significant step toward providing equitable access to higher education opportunities for Ghanaian students. “This will help many students who face challenges with applications and will deepen the bond between Ghana and the USA,” she remarked.
The Osu Mantse, Professor Notse Nii Nortey Owuo IV, echoed these sentiments, encouraging students to take full advantage of the centre. He emphasized that education remains key to eradicating poverty and fostering critical thinking to address national challenges. “Through education, we can empower our people to create solutions to Ghana’s problems,” he added.
The new EducationUSA Centre in Accra is expected to serve as a critical resource for Ghanaian students, offering support to navigate the process of studying in the United States and further strengthening the educational partnership between Ghana and the US.
