Students of the MA Brands and Communications Management programme at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), have demonstrated the practical value of graduate education by developing and launching two market-ready business concepts. The event, held on [insert date] at the LBC Auditorium, brought together faculty, students, industry actors and stakeholders to witness how classroom learning can be translated into viable products and services.
Organised under the auspices of the School of Graduate Studies, the experiential learning initiative provided a platform for students to apply concepts in branding, marketing, communication, entrepreneurship and strategic management to real business situations.
The students unveiled Rokalu Cleaning Solutions, a professional cleaning service led by Winnifred Cobbinah, and Golden Roots Foods Limited, a food brand led by Isaac Addae. While Rokalu Cleaning Solutions focuses on residential, commercial and industrial cleaning services, with emphasis on professionalism, health, safety and environmentally responsible practices, Golden Roots Foods Limited seeks to reposition gari as a modern, nutritious and globally competitive product rooted in Ghanaian food heritage.
Opening the programme on behalf of University Management, Dr Linda Narh commended the initiative and underscored the importance of practical learning in graduate education. She noted that such platforms help bridge the gap between academia and industry by enabling students to test ideas, develop business models and build the confidence required to enter the marketplace.
Dr Rockson Opare-Boateng also commended the students for demonstrating creativity, enterprise and professional discipline. He encouraged them to refine their concepts beyond the classroom and remain committed to innovation and excellence.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Robert Ebo Hinson shared insights on brand building, market positioning and customer-centred innovation. He urged the students to ground their ideas in consumer insights, set measurable goals, maintain quality and consistency, and build brands that can compete sustainably.
The programme also featured a panel discussion on product development, quality assurance, consumer trends and the health benefits of the newly introduced gari variants. The discussion highlighted the growing demand for healthier food alternatives and the important role of innovation in adding value to local food products.
Industry and stakeholder representatives praised the students for their creativity and entrepreneurial focus. Mr Andrews Adooquaye Tagoe of the Farmers’ Union highlighted the economic potential of value-added agricultural products, particularly cassava and gari, and noted their capacity to create jobs, support farmers and reduce dependence on imports.
Hon. Francis-Xavier Sosu, Member of Parliament for the Madina Constituency, also underscored the importance of entrepreneurship in addressing youth unemployment and advancing national development. He encouraged the students to pursue their ideas with confidence and contribute meaningfully to enterprise development.
The event reaffirmed UPSA’s philosophy of Scholarship with Professionalism by showing how academic work can be transformed into practical solutions. Through the launch of Rokalu Cleaning Solutions and Golden Roots Foods Limited, the students demonstrated that graduate education can produce not only knowledge, but also innovation, enterprise and value for society.
