Stakeholders at Ghana’s University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) met for a workshop supported by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) to develop and validate an open and distance learning (ODL) policy. The three-day event equipped university leaders with applied ODL knowledge and fostered collaborative policy development, setting a roadmap for future ODL programmes in Ghana.

The workshop focussed on the principles, benefits, challenges and global best practices of ODL and facilitated the collaborative development of a comprehensive institutional ODL policy. On the first day, stakeholders critically analysed pertinent policy statements, providing an enabling environment to ask relevant questions and provide helpful input to ensure the draft statements covered all essential aspects.

On Days 2 and 3, participants worked in groups to revise and present the draft policy statements, which were subsequently validated. Professor Wiafe Debrah closed the workshop on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and concluded with the following remarks:

“We have engaged in meaningful discussions, shared valuable expertise, and collaborated to shape the future of ODL at UESD. We have made significant progress in developing a comprehensive framework that aligns with our university’s mission, vision and commitment to excellence in education. The policy we have developed will serve as a roadmap for enhancing the quality, accessibility and effectiveness of our ODL programmes.”

Professor Jane-Frances Agbu, Adviser, Higher Education COL, said the next steps for COL would include supporting activities geared towards policy implementation at UESD as soon as the validated policy has been approved.