The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG) have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership as the Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, paid a courtesy visit to the ICAG on Monday.
The visit formed part of the vice-chancellor’s efforts to strengthen institutional ties and deepen existing collaborations between the two institutions.
Prof. Mawutor, a member of ICAG, emphasised that his visit was also to pay homage to the Institute and acknowledge its role in shaping professional education in Ghana.
He recalled the historical relationship between UPSA and ICAG, noting that the partnership dates back to the university’s early years as a professional training institute focused on preparing students for accounting and finance qualifications.
In outlining his short-term strategic vision for UPSA, Prof. Mawutor announced a major shift in the university’s academic approach—moving away from over-reliance on foreign textbooks to the development of locally authored course books.
“With the development and publication of local course books focused on local business case studies, we can enhance learning outcomes and enrich the experiences of our students,” Prof Mawutor stated.
He revealed that UPSA will soon launch a faculty-authored course book project, which will require faculty members to develop and publish at least one textbook for each course taught at the university.
“For instance, a lecturer teaching retail marketing should be able to use indigenous business case studies like Melcom, Jumia, and others to illustrate practical applications and local market dynamics,” the VC explained.
The Vice-Chancellor also underscored the importance of leveraging Information Technology (IT) in education.
He announced that UPSA is transforming student project work by integrating digital solutions, ensuring that all final-year projects are converted into digital products or solutions that address real-world business challenges.
The President of ICAG, Mr. Augustine Addo, warmly welcomed the Vice-Chancellor and expressed confidence in his leadership, stressing the potential for strengthened collaboration moving forward.
He recalled the deep-rooted collaboration between UPSA and ICAG, highlighting the significant role that UPSA faculty members play as lecturers, examiners, and research consultants for ICAG’s professional programs.
Mr. Addo commended Prof. Mawutor for his vision and particularly lauded the initiative to develop local course books, stating ICAG’s readiness to support the project.
“As ICAG, we buy into your vision, especially the proposal for the development and publication of local course books, and we are willing to support and partner with you in any form and shape,” Mr Addo assured.
He further emphasised ICAG’s commitment to strengthening ties with UPSA and other institutions, acknowledging the impact of past and present leadership in transforming UPSA into a world-class institution of higher learning.
The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied on the visit by Mrs. Lorraine Gyan, Registrar; Prof. Isaac Boadi and Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance.
