The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has taken a further step towards strengthening industry-academia collaboration through a high-level courtesy call on KPMG Ghana. The engagement, held on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, in Accra, provided a platform for the two institutions to explore strategic partnership opportunities in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, professional development and student experiential learning.
The meeting brought together senior officials from both institutions to discuss a shared commitment to building practical, industry-responsive academic experiences that prepare students for the demands of a rapidly evolving business environment.
The UPSA delegation was led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor. He was accompanied by Dr Michael Mickson, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, and Dr Linda Narh, Senior Lecturer.
The KPMG Ghana team was led by Mr Andrew Akoto, Country Managing Partner. Also present were Ms Joyceline Coleman, Partner, Accounting Advisory Services and Head of Corporate Affairs; Mr Jeremiah Addo, Manager, IT Advisory, Strategy and Business Planning; and Ms Adjoa Winful, Assistant Manager, Corporate Affairs.
Discussions centred on possible areas of collaboration, including interdisciplinary research, public lecture series, innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives, faculty-industry engagement, and the development of a structured internship pathway for UPSA students.
Speaking during the engagement, Professor Mawutor underscored the importance of deepening partnerships between academia and industry, noting that universities must continue to build stronger bridges with professional firms and corporate institutions in order to produce graduates who are technically competent, ethically grounded and professionally prepared.
He indicated that collaboration with globally respected institutions such as KPMG Ghana would provide valuable platforms for knowledge exchange, research advancement, professional exposure and practical learning opportunities for both students and faculty.
The proposed public lecture series also featured prominently in the discussions. Both institutions considered the value of creating regular platforms where students, academics and industry leaders can engage on emerging issues in business, technology, governance, sustainability, entrepreneurship and professional practice.
A key highlight of the engagement was the proposed structured internship system, which both parties recognised as essential to aligning academic training with workplace expectations. The initiative is expected to offer UPSA students meaningful exposure to professional environments while enhancing their readiness for careers in accounting, advisory, consulting, technology, governance and related fields.
Representatives of KPMG Ghana welcomed the proposed areas of collaboration and expressed the firm’s readiness to support initiatives that contribute to education, professional development, innovation and human capital development in Ghana.
