The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), through its Faculty of Management Studies has officially launched the UPSA-1000 project, an initiative designed to groom 1,000 future-ready business leaders for Ghana and the global marketplace.

The event, which was held at the Ohene Konadu Auditorium on Thursday, July 17, 2025, brought together students; members of the academia; business professionals; and public sector leaders for an inspiring and forward-looking gathering.

The UPSA-1000 project is structured to build a strong leadership pipeline by identifying and developing high-potential students and young professionals through intensive mentorship, business exposure, and personal development. This project reflects UPSA’s continued commitment to delivering professional education that extends beyond the classroom to have a direct impact on society and grooming the next generation of future leaders.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, emphasised the significance of the project in addressing the leadership gap within the business sector.

"It is important for young people to be guided and mentored by seasoned business professionals in order to develop to become market leaders. This would go a long way to bridge the leadership gap with the business sector," he stressed.

Additionally, Dr. Ernest Mensah Abraham, Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies, provided an overview of the initiative’s structure and long-term impact.

"The university is focused on leading the charge when it comes to professional leadership development, hence we intend to open up the programme for not only students but youth with the university community and beyond," he explained.

The event was also attended by the esteemed, Minister of Youth and Sports, George Opare-Addo who delivered a commendatory speech and highlighted UPSA’s unwavering dedication to youth development.

"The government is committed to empowering the youth with sustainable jobs through entrepreneurship and initiatives such as the UPSA-1000 would go a long way to not only support government's efforts but also drive economic development," he said.

Dr. Mrs.Juliana Akushika Andoh, a lecturer at the Faculty of Management Studies and a key member of the UPSA-1000 organising team, also delivered remarks at the launch. She used the platform to extend a passionate call to corporate Ghana and development partners to support the initiative.

"We appeal to corporate entities to come on board to support the UPSA in mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs that would serve as the first UPSA-1000 cohort. Through sponsorship and leadership content development, we are certain that the right path would be created for business growth," she stressed.

Through UPSA-1000, the University is making a significant stride in moulding the next generation of ethical, competent, and visionary business leaders. The inaugural cohort is anticipated to commence its programming in the forthcoming weeks, with the invaluable support of both academic and industry mentors.

Prospective participants, mentors, and partners interested in joining or supporting the UPSA-1000 initiative are encouraged to reach out for further details. The programme is open to students and young professionals who demonstrate strong leadership potential, a commitment to ethical business practices and a passion for making meaningful impact in their communities.

To learn more about the UPSA-1000 project, enrolment processes, eligibility criteria or partnership opportunities, please contact the Faculty of Management Studies.