Ashesi University

From the time he enrolled at Haas, native Ghanaian Patrick Awuah had a singular focus: to transform Africa by inaugurating a new type of higher education institution. It would be at the forefront of Africa’s socioeconomic transformation by preparing ethical, entrepreneurial leaders. Awuah spent his time at Haas gaining the skills he’d need to found and lead such a school. Launched in Ghana in 2002, Ashesi University was the continent’s first liberal arts college. It pioneered a multidisciplinary core curriculum teaching critical thinking, creative problem solving, ethical reasoning, and communication skills that went against the dominant rote learning culture in many African schools. Ashesi, which means “beginning” in the Ghanaian language Akan, is now recognized as one of the finest universities in Africa and has graduated more than 2,000 students determined to revitalize their communities and transform the continent. Here’s how a world-class university develops.

1998

Patrick Awuah and three classmates, including Nina Marini, MBA 99, conduct a feasibility study for a private university in Ghana as part of Haas’ International Business Development program. 

1999

The Ashesi University Foundation is founded by Awuah, its president, and Marini, its vice president. 

2002

Having raised $2.5 million, Ashesi opens in a rented house with 30 students. 

2005

The first class graduates—all finding quality placement. 

2008

Ashesi students adopt an honor system to take exams unproctored, triggering a national conversation on the importance of values-based education. A capital campaign for a permanent campus begins. Ashesi achieves operational financial sustainability.

2011

Phase one of the new campus in Berekuso, 100 acres overlooking Ghana’s capital Accra, is completed on schedule and on budget ($6.4 million).  

2012

Awuah is awarded Haas’ Leading Through Innovation Award and named Ghana’s 4^th most respected CEO. 

2015

Ashesi launches an engineering program with 76 students (40% women) and a new facility. A record 55% of students receive need-based scholarships—29% fully funded. 

2018

The President of Ghana awards Ashesi a Charter, making it an autonomous degree-granting institution free from the supervision of a public university.

2020

In March, Ashesi students are among the first in Africa to resume learning after COVID lockdowns, thanks to learning systems already being online. 

2023

Ashesi now offers nine degrees (three of them master’s) and enrolls over 1,400, 18% of whom are international (from 31 countries). Some 90% of grads find jobs, start businesses, or attend grad school within six months of searching.