GCTU And AKOA Group Seal Landmark MoU Deal

GCTU and AKOA Group have sealed a partnership deal with an MoU signing on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the VC’s Board Room.

This strategic MoU was designed to strengthen academia-industry ties between the two institutions through internships, national service opportunities/placements and staff exchange programmes to foster knowledge sharing, skills development and capacity building for professional growth.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, warmly thanked AKOA for their commitment and visionary approach to education and industry collaboration. He gave a brief background of GCTU and indicated that GCTU is now a fully-fledged public University mandated to offer ICT training in Ghana. He expressed the University’s excitement to partner with AKOA, highlighting the three key faculties: the Faculty of Computing and Information System, the Faculty of Engineering and the Business School. “Unlike traditional Business Schools, ours is different by its strong tech-infused courses that equip students with the skills to thrive in today’s digital economy,” he stated.

Prof. Afoakwa reiterated his bold vision for GCTU to become the “Silicon Valley” of Ghana, to cultivate a hub of innovation, entrepreneurship and technological excellence that will transform the human capital development on the continent. “We aim to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship and cutting-edge research, producing highly skilled talents equipped to thrive in Africa’s technological advancement and global competitiveness.

Prof. Afoakwa highlighted GCTU’s comprehensive ICT programmes, spanning undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He underscored the importance of shifting from theoretical foundations to practical, industry-oriented education.

To achieve this, he stressed the need for collaborative partnerships between academia and industry to foster hands-on experience through internships and national service opportunities aimed at enhancing graduate employability. “We produce high-calibre graduates equipped to thrive in the entrepreneurial landscape, empowering them to create their own opportunities rather than relying solely on employment,” he indicated.

Giving his remarks, the General Manager of AKOA Group, Mr. James Pobee, said the MoU marks the beginning of a promising partnership between AKOA Group and GCTU. “This MoU signifies more than just a formal agreement. It is a commitment to innovation, growth and mutual empowerment,” he said.
Mr. Pobee stressed that AKOA Group which believes in the transformative power of collaboration, runs businesses spanning across real estate, beverages and gaming, all of which are built on a foundation of excellence, integrity and a relentless pursuit of quality. “This partnership with GCTU will allow us to contribute to and benefit from the academic and technological advancements of this prestigious institution, creating pathways for knowledge-sharing, practical applications and industry-driven solutions,” he emphasized.

Key areas of collaboration:

• Internships and National Service Opportunities
•  Mentorship and Career Coaching
• Industrial Visits
• Advisory, Consultancy and Training Services

To further solidify the partnership, the two parties also signed a 6-month service management advisory agreement under which AKOA will make a monthly donation of GHS12,000.00 to the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Support Fund. This financial support will be instrumental in sustaining the realization of the VC’s ambitious “Vision 20 by 30” agenda.

The agenda is to empower academic excellence, with 20 to 25 lecturers achieving professorship ahead of schedule by 2030 through mentorship and specialized training.
The Industrial Liaison Department tasked with securing opportunities for students engagement in practical training programmes, was heavily involved in the MoU negotiations.