The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has officially inaugurated its new regional office in Accra, Ghana, marking a significant milestone in Germany’s commitment to academic and scientific collaboration across West Africa.
This new office—one of only two DAAD regional hubs in sub-Saharan Africa—will serve as a central platform for academic exchange and partnerships in Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
The launch event, held at the new premises on Osu La Crescent in Nyaniba Estates, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Prof. Joybrato Mukherjee, President of DAAD; H.E. Manuel Müller, Acting Ambassador of Germany to Ghana; Irchad Razaaly, EU Ambassador to Ghana; Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi, Deputy Director General of the Ghana Education Service; and Lena Leumer, the newly appointed Director of the DAAD Regional Office Accra.
In her address, Lena Leumer expressed enthusiasm for DAAD’s expanded presence in the region.
“This is a symbol of DAAD’s deepened commitment to Ghana and to the region, and I am humbled and excited to be a part of that,” she said, describing the office as a dynamic space for fostering academic growth.
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, delivered the keynote speech, applauding DAAD’s longstanding role in supporting Africa’s research and academic capacity. She reaffirmed the University of Ghana’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with DAAD, emphasizing the importance of such collaborations in addressing global challenges and driving both national and regional development.
Prof. Joybrato Mukherjee, President of DAAD, highlighted the strategic significance of the new office in his welcome remarks.
“This new office is not just a symbol of our mutual commitment; it is a gateway to new possibilities for students, researchers, and institutions in Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and beyond,” he stated.
DAAD has played a pivotal role in fostering educational exchange with Ghana. Since 2000, Germany has become the third most popular destination for Ghanaian students studying abroad. Over the past 25 years, DAAD scholarships awarded to Ghanaian students have increased tenfold, and institutional partnerships have nearly tripled. Currently, more than 13,500 students from Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria are enrolled in German universities, supported by over 130 academic collaborations.
The opening of the DAAD Regional Office Accra underscores Germany’s long-term vision to advance international education and research networks, providing greater access and opportunities for West African students and scholars.
