Kojo Yankah calls for Afro-centric revolution in Ghana’s education system
On February 13, 2025, the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) held a momentous charter launch to mark its transformation into a fully-fledged autonomous university. The event was not just a celebration of academic progress, but also a heartfelt call to action from Hon. Kojo Yankah, the founder of the institution and a renowned Ghanaian scholar. In a passionate address, Yankah appealed directly to the Minister of Education to revolutionize Ghana’s education system by incorporating indigenous knowledge and African-centered studies.
Yankah’s plea is rooted in his long-standing belief that the current educational framework in Ghana distances its people from their African identity. In his speech, he lamented that the education system largely focuses on foreign knowledge while neglecting African history, culture, and achievements. “Our educational system does not teach us anything about ourselves. We learn about other people, but not about ourselves. The education ministry should be more Africa-centered,” he stated.
He went on to argue that a meaningful education should address the challenges facing the country, pushing for a practical, problem-solving approach that is grounded in African realities. “If education does not solve a country’s problems, then it is useless,” Yankah emphasized.
Yankah’s advocacy for Afro-centric education is not new. For years, he has been at the forefront of pushing for reforms that promote African heritage and pride among the youth. He believes that education rooted in African identity would not only help young people understand and appreciate their heritage but also equip them with the tools needed to contribute effectively to the continent’s development.
In line with this vision, Yankah expressed his gratitude to the management and staff of AUCB, who have played an instrumental role in transforming the institution from the African Institute of Journalism (AIJC) in 2002 to the African University College of Communications (AUCC) and now to the newly rebranded AUCB. The university’s success is a testament to Yankah’s persistence and vision.
Looking ahead, Yankah emphasized that the third phase of AUCB’s journey—after receiving Presidential assent to operate as an autonomous university—is just beginning. “This phase demands more creativity, innovation, and ingenuity. AUCB must focus on courses that will help transform Ghana and Africa, liberating minds and attitudes for societal advancement,” he remarked. Yankah reiterated that the institution’s programs must remain Afro-centric, designed to instill a sense of pride and unity among students, both in Ghana and across the African continent.
Professor Abeiku Blankson, the Vice Chancellor of AUCB, also lent his voice to the conversation, underscoring the role private institutions have played in Ghana’s educational landscape. He called on the Ministry of Education to consider the needs of students in private universities, acknowledging their contribution to the broader educational ecosystem.
As AUCB celebrates its charter status, it stands at a pivotal moment in its history—one that holds great promise for fostering a new generation of students who are empowered by a deeper connection to their African roots. The institution’s commitment to producing graduates who can thrive in an evolving global landscape, while remaining grounded in their African heritage, promises to be a lasting legacy of Yankah’s tireless efforts.
With his visionary call to transform education through an Afro-centric lens, Hon. Kojo Yankah has sparked a crucial conversation about the future of education in Ghana and Africa. The time has come for the country’s education system to align with the values and aspirations of its people, creating a generation of leaders proud of their identity and poised to shape the future of the continent.
