THE POLITICS OF MULTI-CAMPUS LOCATION IN GHANA: THE EXPERIENCES OF THE UNIVERSITY FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

Abstract

The University for Development Studies (UDS) is the first in Ghana to be established complete with decentralized administrative structures under Deans of constituent campuses. This novel experiment brought along with it certain challenges to educational administrators, teachers, learners and surrounding communities. The radical departure from a centralized university system to a multi-campus system with the additional task of using a problem-based, student centred and community-based approach to teaching and learning brought to the fore various anxieties, misconceptions, expectations and demands by the envisaged beneficiaries of the University. This work, endeavours to show the critical features of the University for Development Studies, its background, training philosophy, and the administrative challenges involved in operating a novel multi-campus system. The study captures the tensions from within the university in interpreting the new training philosophy and the politics of concerned individuals, regional groupings and government on the permanent location of campuses and faculties. Angling for the permanent location of campuses and faculties received priority attention among the stakeholders over the mobilization of funds and other support systems for the growth of the University. A strong commitment from the University authorities for deeper consultations and collaborations along lines proposed by the stakeholders during the consultations to prepare the Strategic Plan of the University would be most beneficial.