GCTU has taken a significant step toward expanding its international partnerships by initiating the process to join the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Ghana.
At a preparatory meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Management, led by the Vice-chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa and the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo engaged with AMCHAM Ghana’s External Relations and Special Projects Manager, Madam Jane Okyere-Aduachie to explore potential collaboration opportunities.
Discussions focused on the strategic advantages of membership, positioning GCTU to become the first educational institution in Ghana to join the Chamber.
Madam Jane expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The American Chamber of Commerce Ghana exists to create an environment where businesses thrive within Ghanaian and American communities.” She emphasized the Chamber’s role in promoting trade, investment and economic ties between Ghana and the U.S.
She further highlighted AMCHAM Ghana’s commitment to supporting American businesses in navigating the local economic landscape. “Our core mandate is to project Ghana as a favourable destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) while providing essential support to U.S. businesses,” she added.
Madam Jane outlined AMCHAM Ghana’s membership categories and opportunities, including trade missions, networking events and business delegations. She assured GCTU of the Chamber’s support in facilitating industry linkages and knowledge exchange programmes.
Discussions also focused on the role of strategic collaborations in enhancing institutional and professional growth. Madam Jane encouraged GCTU to leverage AMCHAM Ghana’s network of multinational corporations, professionals and business leaders. “By engaging with AMCHAM Ghana, institutions like GCTU gain direct access to top industry players which can open doors to internships, research funding and employment opportunities,” she stated.
She also highlighted AMCHAM Ghana’s advisory services which assist members in navigating regulatory frameworks and establishing credible partnerships. “We ensure due diligence in our membership process, verifying legal and operational standing to protect all stakeholders involved,” she added.
AMCHAM Ghana’s role in professional networking was another key discussion point. Madam Jane noted that many organizations within the Chamber seek collaboration with academic institutions, providing avenues for knowledge exchange, guest lectures and industry-led training sessions. She hinted at the possibility of GCTU faculty members being invited to AMCHAM Ghana events to share insights on technology, business and education.
Additionally, she introduced AMCHAM Ghana’s communication strategies, including its widely circulated newsletter that informs members about business opportunities and upcoming events. She suggested that GCTU could use this platform to showcase its programmes, achievements and innovations.
To strengthen engagement, she proposed that GCTU document its transformation from Ghana Telecom University College to a fully accredited technology university, emphasizing that storytelling remains a powerful tool for branding. “We encourage GCTU to share its success stories for local and international audiences,” she advised.
In response to the Manager’s submissions, Prof. Afoakwa welcomed the initiatives, noting, “This partnership aligns with our vision of global engagement and industry collaboration. By joining AMCHAM Ghana, GCTU will gain access to strategic networks that can provide internship and employment opportunities for our students, as well as collaborative research prospects for our faculty.”
Prof. Afoakwa expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership will not only elevate GCTU’s visibility, but also provide our students and faculty with unparalleled opportunities to connect with leading professionals and businesses.”
Further discussions focused on expanding the scope of collaboration, including participation in AMCHAM Ghana’s events such as roundtable discussions, business conferences and the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Madam Jane noted that the Chamber often collaborates with the U.S. Embassy to host exclusive events, providing members with direct access to diplomatic and business communities.
She encouraged GCTU’s leadership to use these events to showcase the university’s expertise, research initiatives and technological innovations.
Prof. Afoakwa reaffirmed GCTU’s commitment to leveraging the partnership for institutional growth. “We are positioning GCTU as a hub for technology and innovation in West Africa. Collaborating with AMCHAM Ghana will reinforce our credibility and help us attract global partnerships,” he added.
Madam Jane assured GCTU of AMCHAM Ghana’s support in organizing joint events such as industry seminars and knowledge-sharing sessions. “We are always open to collaboration. If GCTU has an upcoming event, we can provide support by bringing in relevant industry players and creating exposure for the university,” she stated.
As the meeting concluded, both parties acknowledged the mutual benefits of GCTU’s membership with AMCHAM Ghana. Discussions will continue to finalize the membership.
