On February 6, 2026, the Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU) held a strategic engagement with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) as part of ongoing discussions toward a formal partnership.

The CCTU team, led by Professor Eugene Owusu-Acheampong, Dean of the School of Business and Management Studies, discussed strategic areas to strengthen academia–industry integration and maximise institutional and industrial impact. “Foremost among the strategic areas is curriculum review and academic relevance, with an emphasis on incorporating industry input into programme design and delivery to ensure alignment with current and emerging labour market and industry needs,” Professor Owusu-Acheampong noted.

It was emphasised that, closely associated with this priority were joint research, consultancy, and innovation initiatives, particularly those aimed at addressing industry and policy challenges, enhancing industrial competitiveness, and supporting the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These initiatives were recognised as essential for translating academic research into practical, industry-responsive solutions.

Another key area discussed was human capital development and graduate employability, encompassing experiential training for staff and students, structured industry exposure, and practical learning programmes to address skill mismatches and improve employability outcomes.

The engagement also explored entrepreneurship development and the sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), including incubation support, innovation-driven enterprise creation, and capacity-building interventions for MSMEs to promote long-term business growth and resilience.

In addition, joint grant applications and resource mobilisation were identified as a strategic priority, with both institutions exploring collaborative funding opportunities, applied research grants, and innovation financing mechanisms to support shared programmes and initiatives.

Finally, the discussions underscored the importance of knowledge exchange and policy engagement platforms, such as conferences, seminars, and policy dialogues, to foster continuous interaction, thought leadership, and evidence-based policy influence.

The engagement concluded with a mutual commitment to formalising the collaboration by developing and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Both institutions expressed readiness to define implementation frameworks, timelines, and focal persons to ensure sustained engagement in the agreed priority areas.

Present at the meeting were Professor Ben Ebo Attom, Dean of the Directorate of International Programmes and Institutional Linkages, Professor Ndowri Yaw Queku, Head of Accounting and Finance Department, and Professor Solomon Tawiah Yeboah, Head of Marketing Studies Department. 

The AGI delegation was led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Seth Twum-Akwaboah, with support from Mr. Theophilus Arthur-Mensah, Manager for Policy and Research Analyst, and Madam Francisca Alorkpah, Personal Assistant to the President and CEO.

The visit marked a significant milestone in CCTU’s strategy to deepen industry engagement and enhance the relevance of business and management education. The anticipated partnership with the Association of Ghana Industries is expected to contribute meaningfully to skills development, enterprise growth, and national industrial competitiveness.

Source: Directorate of Public Affairs