The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening academic ties with institutions in the Czech Republic.
This was during a courtesy visit to the Ambassador of Czech Republic to Ghana, H.E. Pavel Bílek, in Accra on Thursday, February 13.
During the meeting, Prof. Mawutor acknowledged that even though UPSA has an existing relationship with some notable universities in the Czech Republic, the university is looking to expand its collaborations with other institutions to diversify opportunities for students and faculty.
He emphasised that his visit aimed to explore new areas of collaboration that would be mutually beneficial and contribute to the growth of both parties.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted faculty and student exchanges as key areas of interest and appealed to the ambassador to facilitate partnerships through the Czech Embassy.
He further stressed the importance of Information Technology (IT) in the 21st century, noting that UPSA is actively working towards enhancing its academic offerings in this area.
Consequently, he expressed interest in partnering with Czech universities specializing in IT, engineering, law, and business disciplines.
“We are keen on staff and faculty capacity development, as well as creating opportunities for our faculty members to pursue PhD programs in the Czech Republic,” Prof. Mawutor stated.
H.E. Pavel Bílek welcomed the Vice-Chancellor and congratulated him on his recent appointment and induction into office.
He underscored the importance of education as a key area of interest for collaboration between Ghana and the Czech Republic.
“Currently, there are a significant number of Ghanaian students in the Czech Republic pursuing various levels of studies,” Ambassador Bílek disclosed.
“This demonstrates a growing interest among local students in Czech higher education institutions. There are numerous scholarship opportunities available in the Czech Republic, which many of these students have taken advantage of. As a consulate, we remain committed to facilitating such opportunities for Ghanaian students.”
The Ambassador assured UPSA of the embassy’s readiness to connect the university with technical institutions in the Czech Republic whose vision aligns with UPSA’s academic and professional development goals.
The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied on the visit by the Registrar, Mrs Lorraine Gyan; Prof Samuel Antwi, Pro Vice-Chancellor (RIKT); and Prof Emmanuel Asamoah, Pro Vice-Chancellor (ASA).
