The Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the California Community Colleges (CCC) Chancellor’s Office and the African American Male Education and Network Development (A2MEND), paving the way for the establishment of the Pan African Virtual College (PAVC).

The agreement, signed on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the University’s Council Chamber, formalised a strategic partnership focused on expanding opportunities in technical education, applied sciences, workforce development and virtual learning.

The ceremony brought together senior officials of CCTU and a visiting delegation from California, marking the culmination of discussions initiated during the CCC team’s visit to the University the previous year.

The Dean of the Directorate of International Programmes and Institutional Linkages (DIPIL), Prof. Ebo Attom, introduced the CCTU delegation, while Dr. Edward C. Bush, Representative of A2MEND, introduced the visiting team.

Prof. Attom, in outlining the purpose of the engagement, recalled that the previous year’s visit by the CCC delegation had laid the foundation for a formal partnership. He described the signing as the fulfilment of a shared commitment and expressed the University’s enthusiasm about welcoming CCC as a partner institution.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of CCTU, Prof. Kwaku Adutwum Ayim Boakye, welcomed the delegation and commended its commitment to following through on the partnership. He noted that, while the University had hosted international delegations in the past without subsequent engagement, the California team had demonstrated consistency by returning to advance the relationship.

Prof. Boakye stressed that the significance of the MoU must extend beyond the signing ceremony, calling for concrete activities and programmes to commence without delay.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Pamela Haynes, representative of the California Community Colleges System, and Dr. Edward C. Bush of A2MEND expressed appreciation for the efforts of both institutions and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the success of the partnership.

Ms. Haynes drew on the symbolism of the Sankofa bird, which represents the importance of looking back to reclaim knowledge, opportunities and connections that may have been left behind. She emphasised that returning to reclaim what had been lost should never be regarded as a source of shame.

The MoU provides a framework for collaboration between CCTU and the CCC Chancellor’s Office, with A2MEND serving as a strategic convener. Key areas of cooperation include technical education, applied sciences, workforce development, faculty and student exchanges, joint research, and virtual academic engagement through the Pan African Virtual College.

The ceremony culminated in the formal signing of the MoU by the Vice-Chancellor of CCTU and the representative of the California Community Colleges, followed by an exchange of signed documents and the presentation of CCTU-branded memorabilia to members of the visiting delegation.

CCTU said implementation discussions would begin in earnest in the coming weeks, with both sides expressing optimism that the partnership would rapidly translate into tangible academic and professional opportunities for students and faculty.

The agreement marks a significant step in CCTU’s efforts to deepen international partnerships while leveraging technology to expand access to high-quality technical and higher education across Africa.

Source: Directorate of Public Affairs, CCTU