The Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU) School of Business and Management Studies (SOBAMS), in collaboration with Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), U.S.A., organised its first International Conference from Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the J. K. Borsah Library Conference Room, CCTU, for students, scholars, and stakeholders.

The two-day Conference with the theme "Advancing Business Research for Sustainable Development had Prof. Kwaku Adutwum Ayim Boakye (Vice-Chancellor, CCTU), Prof. Daniel Acheampong (FGCU, U.S.A.), Prof. Innocent Senyo Kwesi Acquah (Vice Dean, School of Business, University of Cape Coast), Prof. Mrs. Abigail Gura (Dean, Faculty of Business, Takoradi Technical University), and Mr George Ben Smith (Central Regional Chairman of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry) as guest speakers.

The Dean, International Programmes and Institutional Linkages, CCTU, Dr. Ben Ebo Attom, made the opening remarks, stating the aim of the University in using internationalisation to promote collaborative research to make a difference in the country and the world at large.

Prof. Eugene Owusu-Acheampong, Dean, School of Business and Management Studies, in a keynote address, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of CCTU, Prof. Kwaku Adutwum Ayim Boakye, expressed his excitement regarding the conference, highlighting its cross-cultural significance and potential. He noted that business research generates ideas and solutions for sustainable development and highlighted the potential establishment of CCTU Enterprises by experienced researchers.

The delegation from Florida Gulf Coast University consisted of Prof. Tanya Benford (Accounting Department, Chairperson), Prof. Daniel Acheampong (Associate Professor of Accounting), Prof. Peter Meso (Professor of Information Systems and Analytics), Prof. Johane Dikgang (Associate Professor of Environmental Economics), and Prof Joshua Olowoyo (Professor of  Environmental Health).

Prof. Tanya Benford of Florida Gulf Coast University, in a keynote address, appreciated CCTU for its adherence to academic entrepreneurship and innovation. She stressed the potential for long-term collaborations among the Universities to develop sustainable solutions. "We, at FGCU, are proud to stand with CCTU," she concluded.

The conference converged scholars, researchers, and practitioners to discuss themes such as "Female-led social entrepreneurship for poverty reduction," "Taxation on energy and carbon emissions in sub-Saharan Africa," "Artificial intelligence in mobile marketing: Evaluating usability, user satisfaction, and performance," "Consumer satisfaction with current safety standard of fresh meat products and willingness to pay for certified safety-approved fresh meat in Ghana," and "Strategic management practices and integrated sustainability of SMEs in Cape Coast,".

There were also panel discussions, memories sharing of CCTU and FGCU, and memorabilia exchange, marking the beginning of a productive alliance. The inaugural Conference assisted in raising awareness regarding the contribution of business research towards ensuring growth and global partnership.

It is a major step forward for CCTU, School of Business and Management Studies, demonstrating its focus on academic rigour and research.

Source: Directorate of Public Affairs

July 23, 2025