Ghana ranked most educated country in West Africa by UNESCO

Ghana has achieved a historic milestone in the latest UNESCO education rankings, emerging as the most educated country in the West African sub-region. This prestigious recognition highlights the nation’s significant strides in improving literacy rates, school enrollment, and the active participation of citizens in higher education.

How the Most Educated Country in West Africa by UNESCO is Calculated

Unlike traditional rankings that focus purely on population size, this UNESCO and World Bank assessment evaluates the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for tertiary education. This metric measures the percentage of the eligible adult population actually enrolled in universities, polytechnics, and vocational institutions, providing a clear picture of a nation’s “human capital” potential.

Top 5 Most Educated Countries in West Africa

According to the latest 2025 data insights from UNESCO and World Bank Global Economies, here are the leaders in the sub-region:

1. Ghana: 21.99% enrollment
2. Cape Verde: 20.22% enrollment
3. Senegal: 16.81% enrollment
4. Nigeria: 14.00% enrollment (Reported fluctuations suggest a dip to 12% due to sector bottlenecks)
5. Cote D’ivoire: 11.11% enrollment

Ghana’s Journey to the Top

Ghana’s lead is backed by consistent growth. In 2022, the country recorded a tertiary enrollment rate of 20.40. By the end of 2023, this figure rose to 21.99%. This represents a strong 7.79% relative growth in just one year, propelling Ghana to the top spot for the 2025 review cycle.

The Impact of the Free SHS Policy

Per the data provided by UNESCO, Ghana has outperformed regional peers, including Nigeria, in several key benchmarks. Analysts attribute this success to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy. By removing financial barriers at the secondary level, the policy has created a “pipeline” effect, significantly increasing completion rates and the number of students qualified for higher education.

Strengthening Human Capital and Teacher Retention

Beyond student numbers, the quality of Ghanaian universities has played a vital role. UNESCO education indicators show that Ghanaian tertiary institutions are among the top-ranked in the sub-region, offering diversified programs that align with modern job markets.

READ: 2025 Year in Review: Top 20 Most Disappointing Ghana Education News Headlines

Furthermore, strategic education reforms since 2017—including massive teacher recruitment and improved retention strategies—have ensured that the increase in students is matched by a dedicated workforce.

A Roadmap for the Sub-Region

To sustain this momentum, UNESCO has encouraged other West African nations to benchmark Ghana’s success. The organization emphasizes the need for:

• Increased education financing.
• Strengthened teacher training frameworks.
• Significant investment in modern infrastructure.