A Level 300 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student, Ms. Anthonette Adanuvi, has said that Learning should not only happen in the classroom. “We have to go out, interact with industry and understand what the real world looks like before we graduate.”
Ms. Adanuvi made the remark in an interview after the first day of the 3-day Ghana Investment and Trade Week (GITW) 2026, on 7th July 2026, at the Palms Convention Centre, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra.
Held under the theme, “Powering Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy: Integrating Infrastructure, Energy Mobility and Sustainable Real Estate for Investment and Trade Competitiveness,” the event convened policymakers, investors, industry leaders, development partners, entrepreneurs and academia to discuss strategies for accelerating Ghana’s industrialisation and export competitiveness.
GCTU’s participation followed a formal invitation from the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI), organisers of the event in collaboration with MIE Events DMCC, in recognition of the University’s leadership in ICT, digital innovation and technology-driven education. It was aimed at exposing students to opportunities within the infrastructure, energy and mobility sectors while strengthening workforce readiness for the country’s 24-hour economy agenda.
The opening ceremony featured addresses by several distinguished speakers, including the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, who served as Chair of the event. He underscored the importance of collaboration among government, the private sector, traditional authorities and development partners in advancing Ghana’s economic transformation agenda.
The Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Mr. Augustus Goosie Tanor, who shared the Government’s vision for an export-driven economy powered by renewable energy, local manufacturing, efficient transportation systems and sustainable infrastructure, challenged participants to imagine a Ghana where industrialisation creates jobs, adds value to local resources and positions the country as a globally competitive trading nation.
Representing the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr. Mary Awusi, encouraged investors and young people to seize the opportunities available within Ghana’s evolving industrial landscape.
Following the opening ceremony, the 19-member student delegation, which was coordinated by the Centre for Strategic Business and Professional Development (CSBPD), toured the exhibition where local and international organisations had showcased innovations in construction technologies, renewable energy, electric mobility, transportation, financial services and other sectors supporting Ghana’s industrial development.
The visit gave students the opportunity to interact directly with exhibitors, learn about current industry trends and establish professional connections with companies operating across multiple sectors. Several students also explored internship and career opportunities while engaging with professionals and business leaders.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Adanuvi described the event as both enlightening and inspiring.
“We connected with many professionals, exchanged contacts and even identified potential internship opportunities. These experiences broaden our perspectives because what we learn in the classroom is only part of the journey. Engaging with industry helps us understand the realities of the world of work and better prepares us for our careers,” she said.
She encouraged fellow GCTU students to actively participate in industry engagements, noting that exposure to professionals, businesses and emerging technologies helps bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application.
