It must be noted that the name, Governance Studies is chosen to reflect the contemporary governance issues in Ghana and emphasis by scholars in the discipline. Since the emergence of the re-democratization process in Africa in the early 80s, emphasis has steadily shifted from focus on the structure and processes of politics in the state to the empowerment of the institutions and state organs to ensure effective delivery of service to the people at minimum cost. As the cry for good governance, responsible governance, transparency and accountability spread across Africa, research, teaching and political activism must also be reflected in scholarship. Thus, the emergence of “Governance Studies” in most of the new Universities in Ghana and across Africa.

Governance Studies, however does not ignore the traditional fields of the Political Science discipline. On the contrary, it embraces all of the traditional sub-fields of political science in addition to new courses that would reflect the new emphasis on the effective delivery of service at minimum cost which also strengthens the legitimacy of the political system and the endurance of regimes.

Rationale
The rapid political, economic and social changes taking place in Ghana, Africa and throughout the international system establish an urgent need for clearer understanding of political concepts and issues of governance among a knowledgeable and active citizenry. As noted above, this realization is evidenced by the widespread interest in politics and governance issues in contemporary Ghana and Africa. The new Department of Governance Studies will provide a welcome opportunity for those seeking to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for productive participation in the governance processes of Ghana and the international system

Goals
The Department of Governance Studies will advance the human resource capacity needs of Ghana as well as the needs of international organizations to which the nation belongs. This will be achieved by inculcating in its products, the requisite world class academic and professional competence.

Objectives
The teaching and research programme of the Department of Governance Studies seeks to:

1. imbue students with the capacity for understanding and engaging in critical thinking on governance issues through the mounting of relevant courses;
2. provide complementary courses for students in other disciplines of the University so as to acquaint them with the requisite knowledge of governance and politics;
3. prepare students to fit into the demands of both the Ghanaian and the international market as teachers, journalists, administrators, economic, political and social leaders;
4. lead through its academic staff, in the production of research publications including text-books for the advancement of knowledge in governance and politics;
5. offer opportunities for study and the advancement of knowledge on governance and political issues through public lectures, seminars and workshops to non-University people especially those within the catchment area of the University.

Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for the various categories of applicants are as follows:

1. Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE)/ West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) Holders
2. Passes in Core English, Core Mathematics, and Integrated Science or Core Social Studies (Grade D/C6 or better) plus Passes in any 3 elective subjects. at the SSSCE/WASSCE; with a total aggregate of 24 or better in SSSCE and 36 or better in WASSCE

However, in competitive selections, preference would be given to candidates who offered and passed English Literature, Government or History, Economics, Geography, Christian Religious Studies and, or any additional European language especially French with grades adjudged to be at Credit levels.

1. General Certificate of Education (GCE) ‘O’ and ‘A’ level: Candidates must have five (5) credits passes (Grade 6) including English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject (for non-science students and Arts subject (for Science students) at the GCE ‘O’ level and at least three (3) passes at the GCE Advanced level in relevant subjects. One of the ‘A’ level passes must be at a grade not lower than Grade D.
2. General Business Certificate Examination/Advance Business Certificate Examination.

Five credit passes in GBCE including English language, Mathematics and Integrated Science plus three passes in ABCE subjects. One of the ABCE passes must be at a grade not lower than Grade D.

1. Mature Students
2. Applicants must be 25 years old, and show a proof of age with birth certificate or any legitimate documentary proof of date of birth, which is at least five (5) years old at the time of application.
3. They must pass EPUC Entrance Examination in the following papers: General Paper, English and or Mathematics and a special paper that is in the area of Governance Studies.
4. Successful candidates may be required to pass a selection interview in addition.
5. Diploma Graduates: 
6. Applicants with Diploma from recognized institutions shall be admitted to level 200
7. Applicants with Higher National Diploma (HND) shall be admitted to level 200
8. Applicants with Diploma in Basic Education (DBE) and Cert A three year Post Secondary shall also be admitted to level 200
9. Applicants may be required to pass a selection interview
10. Successful candidates will complete the programme in three (3) years.

Foreign Students
Foreign students with qualifications equivalent to those mentioned above will be considered for admission at the appropriate level.  However, applicants from Francophone and other non-English speaking countries must attach to their applications evidence of Proficiency in English. All foreign certificates shall be referred to National Accreditation Board for determination of equivalence.

Target Groups

1. SHS graduates
2. Pupil Teachers who are SHS graduates
3. Diploma in Basic Education
4. HND holders who have the desire to be leaders
5. First Degree graduates who are interested in Governance
6. Members of District/Municipal/Metropolitan Assembly or held office as a Constituency Officer or higher, in any political party.
7. Members of Parliament, Chief Executives, Ministers, Paramount Chiefs, members of the Council of State etc.