- Published
- May 29, 2026
- Category
- Conference
Prof. Faith Ben-Daniels, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Communication Sciences at the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED), served as Convenor of the maiden International Conference on Education and Humanities (ICEH 2026).
Held from 27 to 29 May 2026 at USTED in Kumasi, Ghana, the three-day international conference brought together scholars, educators, policymakers, industry professionals, researchers and students from Ghana and other parts of the world.
Organised by the Faculty of Education and Communication Sciences, the conference was held under the theme Building Sustainable Futures: The Place of Education, Humanities and TVET.
More than 300 participants attended the conference, while approximately 150 scholars presented research papers addressing important issues in education, the humanities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, entrepreneurship, technology and sustainable development.
Connecting Education, the Humanities and TVET
ICEH 2026 was established to encourage meaningful dialogue across academic and professional disciplines. The conference challenged the separation of education, the humanities and technical training, emphasising that these fields must work together to prepare societies for emerging social, economic and technological challenges.
In her address, Prof. Ben-Daniels explained that Africa’s future must be shaped by the decisions and educational systems being developed today. She stressed that formal and informal education should be deliberately designed to solve future problems and create better opportunities for the next generation.
She also highlighted the central role of the Faculty of Education and Communication Sciences in connecting disciplines and providing the pedagogical knowledge and practical skills required to support human development.
For Prof. Ben-Daniels, the conference represented more than an academic gathering. It was an opportunity to bring researchers, practitioners, policymakers and industry leaders together to develop practical responses to real-world challenges.
Reimagining Education for Sustainable Development
The Vice-Chancellor of USTED, Prof. Frederick Kwaku Sarfo, welcomed participants and called for a broader understanding of sustainability.
He explained that sustainable development must go beyond environmental protection and economic systems. It must also preserve the values, wisdom, ethical commitment, critical thinking and cultural knowledge required for future generations to manage the world responsibly.
His address reinforced the conference’s central message that education, the humanities, TVET, STEM and entrepreneurship are complementary fields whose combined strengths are essential to sustainable national and global development.
Keynote Contributions and Distinguished Participation
The conference featured keynote presentations from Mr. Anis Haffar, Founder of Gifted and Talented Education, and Mr. Kofi Asare, Executive Director of Africa Education Watch.
Mr. Haffar called for a shift from theory-dominated education towards practical learning that builds competence, confidence and problem-solving abilities among students.
Mr. Asare highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration among universities, civil society organisations, policymakers and other educational stakeholders.
The Guest of Honour, Ap. Dr. Nana Adu Gyamfi, Kumanin Barima Kessie I, also addressed participants on the contribution of traditional authorities to education and sustainable development. He drew attention to interventions such as scholarships and support for educational infrastructure and advocated the repositioning of TVET as a viable pathway for professional and national development.
A Platform for Research and Collaboration
The conference provided opportunities for participants to present research findings, exchange ideas and build professional networks across institutions and disciplines.
The academic presentations and discussions explored how education and research can respond more effectively to national transformation, technological change, unemployment, cultural development and the evolving needs of society.
ICEH 2026 also created an important platform for established academics to engage with emerging researchers and postgraduate students. This strengthened the conference’s role in supporting mentorship, scholarly collaboration and the development of future research partnerships.
Establishing an Annual International Conference
The success of the maiden conference laid the foundation for ICEH to become an annual international gathering for stakeholders in education, the humanities, social sciences, TVET, entrepreneurship and related disciplines.
As Convenor, Prof. Faith Ben-Daniels expressed the Faculty’s commitment to expanding the conference and attracting an even wider community of scholars and practitioners in subsequent editions.
The conference concluded with a shared commitment to reimagine education, strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation and transform research ideas into policies and practices that can contribute to a sustainable and vibrant future for Africa and the wider world.
Event Details
Event: Maiden International Conference on Education and Humanities (ICEH 2026)
Theme: Building Sustainable Futures: The Place of Education, Humanities and TVET
Dates: 27-29 May 2026
Venue: University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi, Ghana
Organiser: Faculty of Education and Communication Sciences, USTED
Convenor: Prof. Faith Ben-Daniels
Participation: More than 300 participants and approximately 150 research presentations
Event Gallery
Conference gallery
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