The Founder and Chancellor of Perez University College has made a strong appeal to President John Dramani Mahama’s administration to extend financial support to private universities, warning that excluding them from government policy risks undermining access to higher education in Ghana.
Speaking at the 9th Congregation Ceremony of the university, on June 28, held under the theme, “Redefining Ghana’s Future: Graduates at the Heart of Economic Reset and 24-Hour Economy,” Archbishop Agyinasare called on the government to “remember private universities” as it rolls out progressive educational reforms.
“We commend the payment of first-year fees for students in public universities and the pilot extension of free education to selected private secondary schools,” he said. “But government universities alone cannot absorb the educational aspirations of all Ghanaians. Thousands of qualified students are left out each year. Private universities fill that gap and deserve similar support.”
He proposed subsidies, grants, or fee assistance programmes for private tertiary institutions as a way to expand access, especially as Ghana seeks to build a skilled workforce to power a 24-hour economy. The Chancellor argued that by partnering with private universities, the government can deepen its national development agenda and avoid creating a two-tier education system.
“Just as the government has seen value in private senior high schools, it must also invest in private universities. We are ready partners in training the workforce needed for economic transformation,” he added.
Campus Expansion and Infrastructure Development
He announced that Perez Chapel International has completed a fully air-conditioned, 24-room lecture facility in Accra, pending accreditation by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), to serve working adults seeking higher education. Additionally, he revealed that the church has secured a deal to construct a 500-seat astroturf football field and a basketball court at the university’s Pomadze campus, expected to be completed within 12 weeks.
“These facilities go beyond physical development. They build teamwork, discipline, and leadership—traits essential to the kind of holistic education we offer,” the Chancellor noted.
Graduates Urged to Drive Economic Reset
Addressing the graduating class of 2025, he positioned them as central to Ghana’s socio-economic transformation.
“Ghana is not waiting for tomorrow’s leaders; it is crying out for today’s reformers,” he said. “You are the heartbeat of the reset. You are the change we’ve been praying for.”
The Chancellor challenged the graduates to lead with integrity and values in a society increasingly defined by challenges in governance and unemployment. “We have too many experts but not enough leaders,” he cautioned, urging them to reject corruption, embrace excellence, and become drivers of innovation in a 24-hour economic framework.
‘Be Ambassadors of Excellence’
The Chancellor charged graduates to be proud ambassadors of Perez University College, a Christian institution committed to academic and moral excellence.
“Carry our name with pride. Let your professionalism make people ask, ‘Where were you trained?’ Be like Daniel in Babylon—in whom was found the spirit of excellence,” he said.
Perez University College, affiliated with the University of Cape Coast and founded on Christian values, continues to position itself as a growing force in private tertiary education in Ghana.
Speaking at the same event, the Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdullai, said it was very refreshing for Perez University College to have its 9th graduation ceremony, adding: “This attests to how far the university has come and the impact it continues to have on widening access to tertiary educational delivery in Ghana and beyond.”
Prof Jinapor noted that the story of Perez University College cannot be complete without highlighting the instrumental role played by Archbishop Charles Agyinasare and his wife, who have played a critical role in the transformation of the hitherto Bible School into a full-fledged university college with various programme offerings.
The Archbishop, he pointed out, “has been at the forefront of the success story of the university college since the days of the erstwhile National Accreditation Board (NAB) and has taken a personal interest in ensuring the university college’s adherence to accreditation policies and regulations, and he needs to be commended for his selfless dedication to tertiary educational delivery in this country.”
“As we commend father and friend, let me state that as the regulator of tertiary educational delivery space in this country, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) wishes to use this noble platform of Perez University College 9th graduation ceremony to commend all private tertiary education providers, particularly the faith-based universities, for working very hard to promote and increase access to quality tertiary education for many more young people who otherwise might not be in school.
“The Commission acknowledges the tireless efforts that individuals like Archbishop Agyinasare have put in place to get this institution to where it is. We cannot, as a Commission, but support you all in this important enterprise, and my presence at this function, not alone but with my wife, is demonstrable evidence of this commitment,” Prof Jinapor added.
Grooming the next generation of leaders
Archbishop Agyinasare’s leadership credentials reflect in all his decades-long endeavours. He holds advanced theological degrees, including a PhD in Christian Apologetics and Practical Theology from U.S. institutions. He has received honorary doctorates from Shiloh Ecclesiastical Bible College, Vision International University, and universities in Europe and India. He was also honoured with Regent University’s Global Leadership Award.
He is the Founder and Prelate of Perez Chapel International, a Pentecostal network with over 400 churches in 16 countries. He pastors the 14,000-seat Perez Dome in Accra, one of Africa’s largest church auditoriums. He also founded the Global Charismatic Ministers’ Network and Perez University College. He hosts the annual Supernatural Empowerment Summit with delegates from over 47 nations. He is the CEO of Precious TV, a global Christian satellite channel.
Ordained in 1984, he trained under Archbishop Benson Idahosa and has preached in over 90 countries. His crusades often feature mass healing and miracle reports.
In 2007, he was awarded the Order of the Volta for promoting African excellence. He also received honorary citizenship in Houston, Texas, and was listed among Ghana’s Top 20 most influential figures in 2016. He served on the governing councils of Central University and All Nations University.
In May 2024, he became the first charismatic leader elected President of the Bible Society of Ghana. He now champions Bible translation and accessibility in local languages.
Archbishop Agyinasare is a theologian, global evangelist, educational leader, media pioneer, and a national Christian voice. His influence spans church, academia, and society.
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