The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has officially launched the E4Impact Ghana Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre, marking a significant step toward strengthening entrepreneurship development and innovation among students.
The launch, held on Friday, March 27, 2026, brought together entrepreneurs, start-ups, investors, and student innovators, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem within the University and beyond.
Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, described the establishment of the Centre as a “dream come true,” emphasising its importance in preparing students for the evolving job market.
He noted that the initiative is designed not only to enhance employability but also to empower students to become job creators.
“Today is not merely about inaugurating a centre,” Prof Mawutor stated. “It is about redefining how we teach, how we learn, and ultimately, how we create opportunities. It is about shifting from knowledge acquisition to value creation.”
Professor Mawutor further underscored the significance of the partnership underpinning the Centre, particularly with E4Impact Foundation, the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development, and the European Union, describing it as “more than a collaboration,” but rather “a bridge between theory and practice.”
He added that the Centre will prioritise experiential learning, enabling students to translate ideas into viable ventures.
“This Centre will emphasise practical training—learning by doing. It will provide students with access to modern tools, equipment, and innovation labs that enable them to design, prototype, test, and refine their ideas in real time,” he explained.
The Italian Ambassador to Ghana, Ambassador Laura Ranalli, noted that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure, positioning it as a gateway to new opportunities for young people.
She stressed that equipping graduates with 21st-century skills is essential in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven global economy.
Director of the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development, Emanuela Forcella, described the Centre as a strategic intervention to strengthen Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and promote inclusive economic growth.
She indicated that the programme will support over 500 small and medium-sized enterprises, enhance the skills of more than 4,600 young people, and create at least 1,600 decent jobs.
Timothy Dolan, Head of the Economic, Private Sector and Trade Section at the European Union Delegation to Ghana, highlighted the Centre as a strong example of international collaboration driving innovation and enterprise development.
He noted that it aligns with broader EU-supported programmes focused on digital transformation, green growth, and private sector development.
“This Centre is a concrete example of the Team Europe spirit in action, demonstrating how the European Union and its partners can align their efforts to deliver greater impact for students, entrepreneurs, and businesses,” he said.
The E4Impact Ghana Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre is expected to serve as a hub for innovation, skills development, and enterprise creation, reinforcing UPSA’s commitment to bridging academia and industry while nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
