The group toured three of HACC's campuses and listened to presentations about programs of study, enrollment and financial structure of a community college. There are approximately five million people in Ghana between the ages of 18 and 30 who are underserved in higher education, mostly because of cost. Ghana and HACC officials plan to create a sister college called an Open College, that offers affordable credit and noncredit courses accessible to the general population. Funding for the endeavor would come from Ghana's national and local governments, private contributions, and student tuition.
The visiting group will take their findings back to Ghana and submit a report to President John Kufuor. According to education minister Baah-Wiredu, The government of Ghana has made the Open College a priority and has the conviction and resources to start as quickly as possible.
Bottom photo, right - Ghana's United Nations representative Nana Effah-Apenteng, center, of New York City, shares a laugh with Harrisburg Area Community College student Bichok Lueng during a visit to HACC. At left is director of vocational training for females in Ghana, Mrs. Comfort Ntiamoa-Mensah. Effah-Apenteng acknowledged HACC's flexibility and variety of programs made an impact, and envisions similar opportunities for the residents of Ghana.