Ghana in Search of Regional Integration Agenda 164 under the special admissions programme in the second semester, none was from West Africa and only one was from Africa. 188 This, it can be argued, is due to the lack of harmonisation of training curricula in the sub-region which makes it difficult for students to be able to leave their regular universities to join, Ghanaian universities for a semester or two(without interruption) as they may either be at different stages of the course thereby making it difficult to follow, or they may have different learning objectives. To enhance the role of tertiary institutions which already have facilities for foreign students, there is therefore the need to begin a process of harmonisation, at least, of those subjects considered core in the various fields of study. Another reason for the near absence of West African students in the Special Admissions programmes is the lack of a framework for such exchanges. Without the appropriate agreements in place, it is almost impossible for students to leave their regular institutions to join another for a period. As several tertiary institutions in Ghana and other parts of the sub- region have organised frameworks in place for international students, it would be helpful to continue dialogue on the issue so as to make the Special Admissions programme beneficial to students in the sub-region. Although harmonisation will enhance the opportunities for student exchanges in the sub region, there are other equally important hurdles that must be overcome for it to have a real impact in the region's integration. One of the major challenges facing universities in most of Africa but more importantly in West Africa has been the frequent strike actions by lecturers, staff and students alike. Citing from Colleen L. Morna, Amuwo states that in a spate of ten years,“there were at least 65 closures of Africa Universities.” 189 Whilst the situation can be said to have drastically improved in Ghana, this cannot be said of other countries where long periods of closure remain characteristic of the educational system. Such closures disrupt the academic calendar as there are unanticipated interruptions which could mean(a) documents under process for such short term stays would be delayed;(b) the academic calendar would be derailed, delaying the delivery of courses and thereby rendering the objective for harmonisation no longer be useful. Efforts at harmonisation must also take cognisance of private tertiary institutions in the country as they have also contributed to opening up academic opportunities for non-Ghanaians. According to Valley View University, the oldest private university in Ghana, 190 “admission to Valley View University(VVU) is available to any applicant who meets the academic and character requirements of the university...” 191 188 University of Ghana Annual Report, 2008 pp. 328-329 189 A. Kunle, op cit, note 11 supra, p.9 190 Valley View University was granted a Charter on May 28, 2006 allowing it to award its own degrees and thereby making it the first private institution to award national degrees. 191 Available at www.vvu.edu.gh accessed on 16 th February 2009