The Deputy Minister of Communication, Digital Technology & Innovation, Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has commissioned a 60-user capacity Centre for Innovation, Technology, Skills and Entrepreneurship (CITSET) lab on October 16, 2025, at the Florence Ony Auditorium.
The centre, which is located within the SGSR block, was established with the aim to equip students and professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced tech-driven economy, while advancing GCTU’s vision of becoming the “Silicon Valley” of Africa.
Delivering the keynote address at the event, the Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology & Innovation Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu emphasized that GCTU plays a vital role in Ghana’s tech education, providing specialized programmes in telecommunications, computing, innovation and entrepreneurship. Hon. Sukparu stressed that given GCTU’s specialization, it should not just be a place of learning; it must also serve as a national hub for innovation, training, prototyping, incubation, collaborating with industry and turning ideas into tangible value. “Let’s come together and ensure that this centre becomes more than just a symbol, but a catalyst for real change,” he said. Hon. Sukparu further added, that the centre symbolizes hope for Ghana’s future, stating that it will nurture talent, drive innovation and commercialize ideas.
According to him, government is dedicated to this mission. “I speak for the Ministry when I say: we will partner closely with GCTU, industry leaders, investors and the academic community to turn this vision into reality,” Hon. Sukparu noted. He further emphasized, that the government has made digitalization a key focus of its transformation agenda, stating that, in October 2024, the Ministry officially embraced the Ghana Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, which revolves around five main pillars: Universal Access & Connectivity; Digital Skills & Research; Digital Government; Digital Entrepreneurship; and Data & Emerging Technologies In addition, while commissioning CITSET, Hon. Sukparu lauded the work done and was impressed with the advanced facilities in the lab.
In his CITSET overview presentation, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, noted, that the event was not merely to cut a ribbon, but to open a new chapter in the University’s journey, a chapter that speaks boldly of innovation, creativity and the fusion of knowledge and practical experience. Prof. Afoakwa highlighted, that CITSET represents a vision that has been close to his heart for some time. “When we conceived the idea of establishing this Centre, our goal was clear: to equip GCTU with the ability to deliver quality education in ICT, while creating a space where learning and practice converge.
Ideas are born, tested and transformed into real solutions for our society,” Prof. Afoakwa remarked. According to him, the University aims to equip students with hands-on tech skills to lead in a digitally transformed world. Prof. Afoakwa indicated that CITSET will bridge theory and practice, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and digital competencies, positioning GCTU as a tech hub in Ghana and beyond.
“As a University of technology, it is our responsibility to ensure that our graduates do not merely learn about technology, they live it, create with it and lead through,” he stated. Prof. Afoakwa hinted that, GCTU is in the process of establishing ICT laboratories in two new 8-storey structures under construction to enhance it ICT skills for both graduate and undergraduate students.
In his brief remarks, the C.E.O. of NNF Esquire Limited, representative of Pearson Education in Ghana, Mr. Frank Y.K. Segbawu, elaborated that the centre represents Ghana’s commitment to fostering a digitally skilled and innovation-driven generation, converging learning, creativity and entrepreneurship to shape the future. Mr. Segbawu said that at Pearson, their digital learning solutions and eTextbooks empower faculty to teach beyond the classroom and enable students to learn, explore and collaborate anywhere, developing essential skills for the 21st century. Mr. Segbawu pledged GHS 100,000.00 to support the centre.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the GCTU Governing Council, Ing. Divine Kpetigo, noted, that the event represents more than the unveiling of the digital lab, but a bold statement of GCTU’s commitment to preparing a generation of innovators, problem-solvers and entrepreneurs. These professionals, according to him, will lead Ghana’s digital transformation in a world shaped by AI, data and emerging technologies, stressing, that It is imperative that they not only keep pace, but also lead in creativity, excellence and purpose.
In his closing remarks, he commended the VC and the Management team for their vision and tireless efforts in bringing this innovation to life, as well as the partners, both public and private, whose contributions had made the event possible. “Let us remember that innovation is not just about infrastructure alone; it’s also about building systems and creating a culture that encourages curiosity and a collaborative spirit. May this centre become the engine that drives this culture within and beyond our great University” Ing. Kpetigo emphasized.
The CITSET has a capacity of sixty computers, all of which are high-specification workstations. Each computer is connected to the internet wireless and users are provided with credentials to access the network. A data centre is created for the lab, equipped with a 30kVA UPS that supplies power to the lab for up to 16 hours in case of a national grid outage. The lab features two 75-inch smart boards for teaching, a PA system, projector and dedicated printers. The lab is designed to be flexible, with provisions for partitioning to accommodate smaller groups of users.
