The University of Ghana was founded in 1948 as the University College of Gold Coast. Between 1948 and 1961, the University entered into a special relationship with the University of London to offer limited programmes of study. By an Act of Parliament on 1st October 1961, the University attained sovereign status with the authority to offer more comprehensive programmes and award its own degrees. The sovereign status together with the aspirations of the new independent state of Ghana formed a catalyst for its rapid growth in the 1960’s and the emergence of its distinctive identity as a world-class centre of academic excellence and a leader in career training and professional development.