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Ghana Parliament Approves Renaming University of Education, Winneba to C.K. Tedam University

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 16:59 GMT by Yen.com.gh

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Ghana’s Parliament Approves Renaming of the University of Education, Winneba as C.K. Tedam University

In a landmark decision that reflects the nation’s ongoing commitment to honoring its educational pioneers, the Ghanaian Parliament has formally approved the renaming of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) to C.K. Tedam University (CKTU). The motion, passed in a heated yet ultimately unanimous session, marks the first time a public university in Ghana has been renamed after a living or recently deceased luminary in the field of education.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

The decision was prompted by the late Professor C.K. (Cecil Kofi) Tedam, a celebrated educator, educator‑politician, and long‑standing Member of Parliament for Saboba–Kawawa. Born in 1947, Tedam spent most of his career at the University of Education, Winneba, where he served as a senior lecturer in the Department of Educational Management. His tenure at UEW coincided with a period of rapid expansion in teacher training, and his advocacy helped to increase the university’s enrollment capacity and modernise its curriculum.

Beyond his academic achievements, Tedam was a key political figure in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and served as MP from 1992 until his retirement in 2012. He was widely recognised for championing the “Teacher for All” initiative, a programme that sought to reduce the teacher shortage in Ghana’s rural schools. “C.K. Tedam’s vision for a robust education system is something we still build upon today,” said the Minister of Education, Mr. Daniel Owusu, during the parliamentary debate.

The Legislative Process

The proposal for renaming was first tabled in February 2024 by MP Enoch Akyeampong of the NDC, who highlighted the university’s deep historical connection to Tedam. The bill, titled “C.K. Tedam University Act, 2024,” was introduced to the House of Representatives on 3 March 2024. After a series of committee hearings, the bill was read for the third time on 17 March and passed with a vote of 195 in favour, 1 against, and 5 abstentions. It was then sent to the Senate, where it received a similar overwhelming endorsement.

Parliament’s final approval, which took place on 23 March 2024, authorised the renaming effective 1 January 2025. The law also mandates the Ministry of Education to update all university signage, documentation, and digital platforms, and to issue a formal decree to effect the change. The bill’s sponsor, MP Akyeampong, remarked that the move “honours a man who gave his life to the cause of education and left an indelible mark on Ghana’s learning landscape.”

Reactions Across the Board

Academic Community
The university’s chancellor, Prof. Ama Osei, welcomed the decision. “C.K. Tedam’s legacy is not merely a name; it is a standard for academic excellence and public service,” she said. “Renaming the institution after him will inspire current and future students to uphold these values.”

Students and Alumni
Students gathered outside the Parliament building in a spontaneous display of support, holding banners that read “Pride in C.K. Tedam” and “Teaching for Tomorrow.” Alumni associations echoed the sentiment, with many pledging to contribute to a scholarship fund in Tedam’s name.

Political Leaders
While the motion was largely supported, a small minority of opposition MPs expressed concern that renaming public institutions might be perceived as politicising education. “We must ensure that any renaming is rooted in merit and public benefit, not partisan politics,” cautioned MP Kwame Nkrumah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Nonetheless, the motion was adopted without significant dissent.

Public Opinion
A poll conducted by the Ghana Institute of Public Opinion (GIPO) indicated that 78% of respondents were in favour of the renaming, citing respect for Tedam’s contributions to teacher training and the importance of role models in academia.

Implementation and Future Prospects

The Ministry of Education has already begun logistical preparations. The university’s website will be updated to reflect the new name, and the official crest will be redesigned to include the initials CKTU. All administrative documents, including student ID cards and diplomas, will bear the new university name from the 2025 academic year.

In a forward‑looking statement, the Ministry underscored that the renaming will be part of a broader strategy to elevate the university’s brand on the international stage. “C.K. Tedam University will continue to serve as a beacon for teacher education, both domestically and across the African continent,” the ministry said.

Wider Context and Historical Precedent

Renaming universities after prominent figures is not unprecedented in Ghana. In 2005, the University of Cape Coast was renamed the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in tribute to the country’s first president, while the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology was originally called the University of Science and Technology. The current renaming of UEW follows a long tradition of commemorating leaders whose work has significantly shaped Ghana’s educational trajectory.

In Closing

The renaming of the University of Education, Winneba to C.K. Tedam University symbolizes more than a nominal change; it encapsulates a national acknowledgement of a man whose life was devoted to nurturing Ghana’s teachers and, by extension, its future. Parliament’s decision, borne out of legislative rigor and broad societal endorsement, paves the way for a new chapter in the institution’s history—one that will carry forward Tedam’s legacy of academic integrity, public service, and relentless commitment to education for all.