A new Global Education Center is under construction in Accra, set to expand digital learning and job‑ready resources for students enrolled in BYU‑Pathway Worldwide, Elder Clark G. Gilbert said during a visit to Ghana as part of a tour of the Church’s Africa West Area.
The centre, located in a high‑rise building just down the street from the Accra Ghana Temple, will provide technology, study space and other support for students’ academic and professional development. "It’s in the high‑rise building just down the street. It looks out over our church’s temple here," Elder Gilbert told reporters.
With more than 100 computers, the facility will bring together several elements of students’ academic and professional lives, allowing them to study, access employment resources and participate in other educational activities. "Early next year, we will dedicate the BYU Pathway Global Education Center here in Accra," he added.
The initiative builds on a programme that began in Accra in 2011, when a small group of students shared a single computer. Since then, BYU‑Pathway has expanded across West Africa to almost 40,000 students, offering online higher education in fields such as accounting, project management, social media marketing, digital marketing and healthcare management. Students can start with job‑skills certificates before progressing toward associate and bachelor’s degrees, using the same curriculum and assessments as the Church’s U.S. universities.
The centre will also address practical barriers to online education. Church buildings provide internet access that students can use to participate in online classes, a feature that Elder Gilbert highlighted as vital for students who lack reliable connectivity at home.
"These students are capable. They can do amazing things. They just need the opportunity," Elder Gilbert said in remarks published after his visit.
The education initiative comes amid concerns about the transition of Ghanaian young people from education into employment. A recent 3News analysis highlighted the difficulties graduates face in a labour market where academic qualifications do not always translate into job opportunities.
Beyond Ghana, BYU‑Pathway is expanding its network of Global Education Centers, designed to provide students with technology, reliable internet and opportunities for collaborative learning. The organisation says its online model is intended to make higher education more accessible to students who face financial, geographical or technological barriers.
As the Accra facility moves closer to completion, the Church hopes it will serve as a model for similar projects in other regions with limited educational resources. The dedication is expected early next year, marking a significant milestone from the programme’s modest beginnings in 2011.
