The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has launched its 60th anniversary celebrations with a call on stakeholders to join forces in nurturing ethical, innovative, and globally competitive leaders for the continent’s future.
It is on the theme: “Six decades of transformative education: Empowering Africa’s future business leaders.”
As part of the celebration of its six decades of transformative education, the university would honour the vision of its founder and the institution’s journey from a modest tutorial college to a leading public business university in Africa.
It also serves as a platform to reflect on UPSA’s legacy, inspire the next generation, strengthen partnerships, and promote innovation and sustainability.
The launch in Accra yesterday was attended by faculty, students, alumni, industry partners, and media representatives, among others.
The year-long celebrations would feature a range of activities, including a legacy lecture series, stakeholder engagements, breast cancer awareness initiatives, and community service projects.
Themes such as industry, technology, heritage, entrepreneurship, and sustainability would also be highlighted, and an awards ceremony and the launch of a research grant scheme launched.
Roots
The Chairman of the UPSA Council, Dr Harry L.K. Agbanu, traced the institution’s roots to 1965 when it began as the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS).
“From a rented property with five students and no government support, we have grown into a vibrant academic community of over 27,000 students,” he said, emphasising the UPSA’s unique place in the nation’s education landscape.
“We remain Ghana’s only public university that integrates academic degrees with professional business qualifications, producing ethical, future-oriented leaders.
“Our commitment is to nurture a new generation of business leaders who are ethical, innovative, and globally competitive,” the chairman added.
Reflections
The founder of UPSA, Nana Opoku Ampomah, reflected on the institution’s humble beginnings and enduring mission.
In a speech delivered by his son, Osei Poku Ampomah, on his behalf, he said: “I founded what was then the Institute of Professional Studies not because I had wealth or influence, but because I had a strong, unshakable belief that Ghana could produce its own professional accountants, administrators, and business leaders through practical, career-oriented education.”
“What brings me the greatest joy today is not the buildings or the scale. It is knowing that this institution has produced graduates who are now in boardrooms, in public service, in industry, and entrepreneurship, shaping the future of our country and continent,” Nana Ampomah added.
Transformation
The Chancellor of the UPSA Council, Dr K.K. Sarpong, lauded the university’s transformation, describing it as a testament to vision, resilience and strategic leadership.
“Our journey from a small professional institute to a world-class academic and research institution is a story of determination, sacrifice and purposeful growth,” he said.
He urged the UPSA community and its stakeholders to carry the torch of excellence into the next era.
