The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has relaunched its Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) as a dedicated professional education directorate, in a move that is strategic and forward-looking for the advancement of professional education in Ghana.
The relaunch, held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, brought together key stakeholders from academia and industry, as well as representatives from professional bodies including ICAG, ACCA, CIMA, CIB, CIM-UK, CIMG, ICSA, CILT-Ghana, CIPS, IPMP, CIHRM and CITG.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, traced the Institute’s journey from its modest beginnings to its current status as a leading centre for professional training, describing the relaunch as “a homecoming” for the many industry professionals it has nurtured.
He paid tribute to the University’s founder, Nana Opoku Ampomah II, for his visionary leadership, and acknowledged the contributions of past Vice-Chancellors and directors in shaping the Institute’s legacy.
“Our mantra of scholarship and professionalism is not just a slogan. Indeed, it is a philosophy borne out of sixty years of experience. It is our heritage; it is our competitive edge,” Prof Mawutor noted.
“This event is not just a relaunch. It is about our heritage, our identity, and honouring a legacy that has shaped professional education in Ghana for six decades,” he added.
Director of IPS, Prof. Fidelis Quansah, underscored the Institute’s longstanding contribution to professional education and capacity building, noting that it has played a pivotal role in advancing continuing professional development over the years.
She explained that the relaunch is not only to celebrate past achievements but to reposition the Institute for the future.
“As one of the oldest academic units of this University, IPS has remained central to our identity as an institution that blends scholarship with professionalism and prepares learners not merely for certification but for leadership, relevance, and impact,” Prof Quansah stated.
Chairman of the UPSA Governing Council, Dr. Harry Lawson Agbanu, described the move as both timely and strategic, emphasising that repositioning IPS as a Directorate aligns with the university’s broader vision.
“Professional education has become more important than ever. It is no longer a supplementary aspect of higher education; it is a strategic imperative. That is why this relaunch matters,” he said.
Representing the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Commissioner for Domestic Revenue, Mr. Martin Yamborinja, described IPS as a distinguished centre of excellence and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to partnership.
“This is not just a celebration of longevity, but also a recognition of six decades of dedicated education in professionalism, leadership, and national service. The IPS plays a major role in tax education and compliance in the country,” he said, adding that a well-trained national labour force is critical for national development.
Chief Executive Officer of ICAG, Mr. Eric Oduro Osae, highlighted the importance of strengthening the link between academia and industry.
“Today is not merely a celebration but a return to purpose—to bridge the gap between academic training and industry practice, as well as theory and application. The relaunch of IPS gives us a renewed opportunity to deepen this collaboration,” he stated.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Minister of Education by Dr. Emmanuel Newman, Director of Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, described the development as a major milestone in Ghana’s professional education landscape.
“This marks an important milestone in professional education in Ghana. It is one of the most revolutionary transformations I have seen in any institution,” the statement said.
The relaunch reinforces UPSA’s commitment to its core philosophy of integrating scholarship with professionalism while positioning the IPS Directorate to play an even more significant role in developing industry-ready professionals for national and global impact.
