The Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU) successfully held the second edition of its annual Career Fair from July 14 -15, 2026, at the University's Ceremonial Grounds. The event promoted the Institution's strategic mandate to align academic training with the evolving demands of the global job market.

The Fair convened corporate leaders, human resource executives, institutional partners, final-year students, and alumni. Building upon the foundation of the maiden edition, this year’s Fair was held under the theme: “Creating Careers in the Digital Age: Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Employability.”

In her welcome address, Professor Sophia Padie Ocran, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, stated that the fair aimed to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world. She noted that the initiative equiped students with vital career guidance, digital literacy, corporate etiquette, and entrepreneurial mindsets necessary for the modern industrial economy. Professor Ocran also commended the University Management for its continued support of the initiative.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Kwaw, who chaired the event, delivered the keynote address. He emphasised that the rapid transformation of the contemporary workplace required technical graduates to possess strong soft skills alongside technical expertise. He urged students to leverage the platform to establish vital professional networks and commended University Management, the Office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs, the Guidance & Counselling Unit, and the Students Representative Council (SRC) for their successful collaboration.

The Guest Speaker, Mr. Derrick Akom Prah, Chief Executive Officer of Elite B and C Ltd., highlighted the role of mentorship in career development. "A certificate can only get you into the room, but your attitude will secure your stay," Mr. Prah stated, adding that proactive effort elevated professionals within their fields. He advised students to utilise artificial intelligence responsibly to enhance efficiency and foresight. He further urged them to master communication skills, maintain professional integrity, and avoid impulsive financial or career decisions.

The fair featured presentations from prominent organisations, including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), the Department of Urban Roads, Sedat Consult, the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), Dywhyte Consult, Amaike Clothing, J’Beth Clothing, and Coconut Grove Hotels.

Madam Patricia Abena Kissi, Chief Executive Officer of Sedat Consult, noted that graduation marked the beginning of professional competition. Citing data from the Ghana Statistical Service, which indicated that only 13% of the youth had secured formal employment, she stressed the critical necessity of self-value creation and early professional positioning.

Representing ICAG, Mr. Alhassan Tahiru outlined the Institute's role as a regulatory body overseeing professional financial standards. He encouraged students to pursue professional certification, maintain discipline, and cultivate professional mentorships to navigate their career paths effectively.

Madam Rosemary Doe Sorkpor, representing the FDA, spoke on the importance of time management as a foundational element of professional success. She detailed the FDA's mandate under the Ministry of Health to regulate food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices. She advised student-entrepreneurs to secure statutory product registration before commercial sales to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.

The second edition of the Career Fair facilitated a key component of CCTU's broader mandate to institutionalise industry-academia linkages. This initiative complements the recently launched CCTU-GNCCI Junior Chamber, which fosters student entrepreneurship and business incubation on campus.

The event concluded with mock job interviews for students and National Service Personnel, curriculum vitae (CV) reviews, interactive sessions and exhibitions. These sessions allowed students to engage directly with corporate representatives and explore recruitment opportunities.

University Management reaffirmed its commitment to expanding corporate partnerships ahead of the third edition.

Source: Directorate of Public Affairs, CCTU

Date: July 15, 2026