As an academic, Brian Akrong has a background in the Teaching of English Language, Communication Skills, Academic Writing and Literature. He has also taught introductory courses in Logic and Critical Thinking and Philosophy and has considerable experience in leadership, broadcasting, public relations, and theatre for development. He was a formerActing Vice–Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Studies, UPSAand also served as Co-ordinator of Publications from 10th December 2012 to 3rd August 2019.

Additionally, he has served as Head of Language Section of the Department of Communication Studies from 21st August 2006 to September 2019. As Head of Language Section, he modified the content of the following undergraduate courses: Communication Skills, English for PR students, Philosophy and Logic/ Logic and Critical Thinking, as well as Corporate Communication Skills and Business English for postgraduate students.

Utilising his creativity and literary skills, Brian has contributed to the composition of the Vision and Mission Statements of the Faculty of IT and Communication Studies. Additionally, he played a sterling role as the Chairman of a team of experts who composed the anthem of the University of Professional Studies, Accra. In 2007, he personally formed the university choir of which he is the founding patron. Mr Akrong also has keen interest in student activities, both coordinating and mentoring most of them in leadership skills acquisition. He is the Chief Patron of the UPSA Student Parliament House.

He has served on several boards and committees in the university. Notable amongst them is the Faculty of Management Appointment and Promotions Board, Publications Committee, Website Committee, Library Board and Academic Board. From 2007 till date, Brian has also served as a board member of the UPSA academic journal, Journal of Business and Professional Studies (JBPS). Currently, he is an Associate Editor of the journal.

Academic Degrees/Certificates

· Completed a PhD in English with University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2020 (Awaiting certification).

· MA in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), University of Ghana, Legon, 2008.

· Post Graduate Certificate in Public Administration- Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) [With distinction], 2008

· Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons), Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)], 2014.

· Bachelor of Arts (B.A Hons) English and Theatre Arts, University of Ghana, Legon, 1999.

Certificate of Competence in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, Waber Professional Education, UK, 2015.

Professional Experience

· Senior Lecturer and former Acting Vice Dean, Faculty of IT and Communication Studies, UPSA.

· Head of Language Section, Department of Communication Studies, UPSA (21st August 2006- September 2019).

· Teaching Assistant, English Department, University of Ghana (1999/2000).

· Part- time Lecturer,Academic Writingat the Language Centre, University of Ghana, Legon (September 2010- date).

· Teacher, Ghana Education Service (1984- 89), (2000-2005).

Selected Publications (presented from the most recent to the earliest)

Refereed Journal Articles

1. Akrong, B. S. (2019). Adapting Benjamin Kwakyi’s The clothes of

nakedness as a film. Journal of Communications, Media and Society (JOCMAS), 6 (1), pp.

2. Akrong, B. S. (2016). Application of code-switching as a marketing

strategy in the telecommunication industry in Ghana. Journal of Business Research, Vol. 10,pp.71-83.

3. Akrong, B. S. (2015). An examination of the dynamics in the job

market in Ghana and the relevance of language to the contemporary business student. Journal of Business Research. Vol. 9, pp.44-55.

1. Kiliu, R. H. & Akrong, B. S. (2014). Gender, community affairs

and public relations practice in Ghanaian mines: A socio-linguistic study of gender and language nuances. Journal of Business Research.Vol.8, pp. 33-44.

1. Akrong, B. S. (2014). The semiotic influence of pictures on

exercise books on career choices of school children in Madina, Accra. Journal of Teaching and Education.University Publications.net, ISSN: 2165- 6266: 03(03), pp. 305–314.

Book Chapter

Dapaah Gyemfi, G. & Akrong, B. S. (2015). Ghana legal system. In Low

D. & Das, D.K. (Eds), Trends in the Judiciary: Interviews with Judges Across the Globe, Vol. 2. (pp. 1- 21). Boca Raton: Taylor and Francis Group.

Professional Conferences & Workshops (Selected)

1. Akrong, B. S. & Avenyo, S. J. (2018). Negotiating business through code- switching and code–mixing along the Ghana–Togo border: A strategy to break linguistic boundaries. Paper presented at the Fourth International Interdisciplinary Biennial Conference, Department of English Studies, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa (2nd – 6th September 2018).

2. Akrong, B. S. (2017). An inquiry into the impact of cultural attitudes on reading habits: A focus on Ghana. Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) Continental Colloquium, Accra- November 6 & 7 2017.

3.Akrong, B. S. (2017). An exploration into the language of the media: The need to employ proverbs and indirections in the media in Ghana for the maintenance of social order. University of Ghana, School of Languages Conference II, 24th -26th October, 2017.

4. Akrong, B. S. (2017). Literary and aesthetic functions of proverbs in African literature: An appraisal of a creative enterprise. University of Ghana, School of Languages Conference II, 24th -26th October, 2017

5. African Doctoral Academy, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Workshop on designing doing and publishing case studies, 26th - 30th June 2017

6. African Doctoral Academy, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Workshop on designing and implementing qualitative research

3rd – 7th July 2017

Subject Areas (Teaching)

Graduate level

• MBIA 603: Corporate Communication Skills
• Business English

Undergraduate level

English Language (PBPS 107: English 1; PDPR 105: English 1); Modern English Usage; PBPS 104 & BGEC 101: Communication Skills; PDBA 231 & BGEC 102: Scholarly Writing; PBPS 102: Philosophy and Logic; BGEC 105: Logic and Critical Thinking (An introductory Course).

Professional Membership & Affiliations

· Member, Linguistics Association of Ghana (LAG)

· Member, University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)