New EducationUSA advising centre opens on Osu Oxford Street

The United States Embassy in Ghana has relocated its EducationUSA Advising Centre to a more accessible location at Papaye on Osu Oxford Street.
The move aims to provide easier access for prospective students interested in pursuing higher education in the United States, offering free resources to help them secure admission to American universities.

Ghana’s growing presence in U.S. higher education
During the unveiling of the facility, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, highlighted the growing number of Ghanaian students studying in the United States.
In 2023, 9,394 Ghanaians were enrolled in U.S. universities, a remarkable 45% increase from 6,468 students in 2022.
“This places Ghana at 18th globally among countries sending students to study in the U.S., on par with nations like Mexico, the UK, and Indonesia,” Ambassador Palmer stated.
Graduate enrollment has also seen significant growth, with a 54% increase in the past two years.
Ghana now ranks among the top 10 nations with the highest number of graduate students in the United States, with 6,377 currently enrolled.

Scholarships and cross-cultural benefits
Palmer revealed that Ghanaian students received approximately $9.2 million (GH₵145 million) in scholarships from about 680 higher education institutions across the U.S.
“Having students from around the world enriches us, broadens our perspectives, and fosters lifelong connections,” she remarked. The ambassador also noted a surge in the number of American students studying in Ghana, which increased by 107% to 1,400.
Local leaders praise EducationUSA’s role
Osu Mantse, Nii Nortey Owuo IV, himself an alumnus of an American university, lauded the efforts of EducationUSA.
“The path out of poverty is education. An educated populace makes informed decisions, thinks critically, and works toward a shared national vision,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the centre’s ability to empower young Ghanaians to study abroad and return with skills to contribute to Ghana’s development.

Govt commitment to collaboration
Chief Director of the Ministry of Education, Maamle Andrews, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to partnering with EducationUSA to create opportunities for Ghanaian students.
The newly opened advising centre on Osu Oxford Street is expected to continue EducationUSA’s legacy of guiding students toward transformative educational experiences in the United States, strengthening both individual aspirations and bilateral ties between Ghana and the U.S.

By SELORM GBORBIDZI, Accra