Accra, being Ghana’s capital, hosts some of the most prestigious public universities in the country. These universities by Accra Street Journal serve not only Accra but also the entire nation, producing leaders in business, law, politics, science, technology, and the arts.
1. University of Ghana (UG), Legon
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Founded: 1948 (oldest and largest university in Ghana).
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Location: Legon, Accra.
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Specialization: A comprehensive university offering programs in sciences, humanities, business, engineering, law, medicine, and agriculture.
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Hosts the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
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International partnerships with top global universities.
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Large student population, diverse campus life.
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2. University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA)
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Founded: 1965 (formerly IPS).
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Location: East Legon, Accra.
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Specialization: Known for business, law, finance, marketing, and professional studies.
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Highlights:
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Integrates academic degrees with professional certifications like ACCA, CIMA, CIM, ICAG.
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Affordable fees compared to private business schools.
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Growing reputation as a top business university in West Africa.
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3. Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)
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Founded: 1961 (initially to train public servants).
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Location: Greenhill, Achimota, Accra.
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Specialization: Focuses on governance, public administration, law, leadership, ICT, and business.
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Highlights:
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Well-respected for executive education and MBAs.
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Popular with working professionals and international students.
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Scenic “Greenhill” campus ideal for serene learning.
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4. Accra Technical University (ATU)
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Founded: 1949 (first technical university in Ghana).
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Location: Barnes Road, near Accra Central.
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Specialization: Applied science and technology programs — engineering, applied arts, vocational training, business, and technical skills.
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Highlights:
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Strong links with industry and job-ready training.
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Ideal for practical and technical education.
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5. University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC – formerly GIJ, NAFTI & DTI merged)
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Founded: 2022 (merger of GIJ, NAFTI, and DTI).
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Location: Accra (GIJ campus in North Dzorwulu & NAFTI campus in Cantonments).
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Specialization:
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GIJ (Journalism & Communication) → media, PR, journalism.
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NAFTI (Film & TV) → film production, animation, theatre arts.
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DTI (Digital Tech) → creative technology & digital innovation.
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Highlights:
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Ghana’s first dedicated creative arts and communication public university.
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Attracts both local and international creative students.
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6. University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS – Accra Satellite Campus)
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Main Campus: Ho, Volta Region.
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Accra Presence: UHAS has learning and research centers in Accra, particularly for nursing, public health, and medical collaborations.
Other Specialized Public Institutions in Accra
While not full-fledged universities, these public tertiary institutions are also based in Accra and play key roles:
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Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) – defense, security, and peace studies.
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Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) – governance and local government training.
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School of Public Health (UG-affiliated) – public health research and training.
Summary
The main public universities in Accra are:
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University of Ghana (UG)
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University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA)
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Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)
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Accra Technical University (ATU)
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University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC – GIJ, NAFTI, DTI)
With satellite presence from UHAS and other specialized institutes.
Source: Accra Street Journal

Last Updated on March 7, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.


