By Jibril Abdul, GNA
Accra, Ghana – Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), on Monday launched a GHS500 million fundraising campaign to support the development of a state-of-the-art ICT Campus, calling on alumni and development partners to support the university’s digital transformation agenda.
The fundraising campaign was launched during a special gathering of graduate students and alumni as part of activities marking UPSA’s 60th Anniversary celebrations.
Prof. Mawutor said the project represented a strategic investment in the future of technology education, research and innovation in Ghana.
Addressing the audience, the Vice-Chancellor said UPSA’s current campus had reached capacity, with the university now enrolling more than 33,000 students annually.
He disclosed that applications continued to outpace available spaces, underscoring the urgent need for expansion.
“Last year, we received over 30,000 applications and more than 20,000 qualified applicants. However, we admitted only 12,000 students,” Prof. Mawutor noted, explaining that the new campus would create opportunities for more students to access quality higher education.
The proposed UPSA ICT Campus is expected to become a centre of excellence for digital education and emerging technologies.
Phase One of the development will comprise 46 modern teaching rooms, 20 lecture halls, 10 high-capacity ICT centres and 10 dedicated Artificial Intelligence laboratories equipped to support training in artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, cybersecurity, virtual and augmented reality technologies.
The project will also include staff accommodation, a six-storey student and recreation centre, a 3,000-seat auditorium and a 6,000-bed student hostel.
Prof. Mawutor said the initiative was informed by the growing demand for ICT education at UPSA, revealing that technology-related programmes currently account for more than 10 per cent of the university’s student population.
He stressed that Ghana must position itself to play a leading role in the digital economy rather than merely consuming technologies developed elsewhere.
“The question is no longer whether technology will change our lives. The question is whether Africa will lead that change or consume what others create,” he said.
In a passionate appeal, the Vice-Chancellor urged alumni to maintain a lifelong relationship with their alma mater by supporting the ambitious project financially and professionally.
He encouraged graduates to contribute according to their means, emphasizing that collective action would make a significant difference.
“Tonight, we need you. Without you, I don’t think we can succeed,” he told the gathering, adding that contributions ranging from modest donations to major corporate investments would all help advance the university’s vision.
Beyond financial support, Prof. Mawutor called on alumni around the world to contribute their expertise, networks, ideas and partnerships to help build a world-class technology hub that would serve future generations.
He disclosed that work had already commenced on portions of the new campus, including a six-storey lecture block and staff accommodation facilities, demonstrating UPSA’s commitment to delivering on the project.
Prof. Mawutor expressed confidence that with the support of alumni, corporate Ghana and other stakeholders, the university would successfully realise its vision of creating a transformative ICT campus capable of producing the next generation of innovators.
“Together, we can build the facilities, equip the laboratories, expand access and prepare Ghana’s next generation…” he said.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Jibril Abdul Mumuni