The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has launched its 60th anniversary celebration on the theme, “Six Decades of Transformative Education: Empowering Africa’s Future Business Leaders.”
Speaking at the media launch in Accra on Tuesday, the founder of the then Institute of Professional Studies (IPS), now UPSA, Accra, Nana J.K. Opoku Ampomah, in a speech read on his behalf said the university’s story was one of vision, perseverance and service.
He recalled starting the school in 1965 not out of wealth or influence, but out of a strong belief that Ghana could train its own professional accountants, administrators and business leaders through practical, career-oriented education.
He said the idea came from his experience as an Assistant Business Manager at the Daily Graphic, where he noticed a gap in the education system for those who wanted to pursue professional programmes instead of traditional university degrees.
“By 1967, the school had been formally recognised by the National Liberation Council. It became the first institution in Ghana approved to prepare students for the Association of Certified and Corporate Accountants (now ACCA) exams, later adding other professional courses,” he said.
“Starting in a rented property in Madina with five students, the school secured land from the La Mantse Stool in 1969 and completed permanent facilities by 1972” Mr Amponmah stated.
Nana Opoku Ampomah thanked past and present management and staff of UPSA for their selflessness in developing the university to its current state.
He also expressed gratitude to past and present governments for supporting the institution’s growth into a fully accredited public university.
To the students and alumni, he advised that education should not be seen as an end in itself, but as a tool to develop themselves and the nation.
Launching the anniversary, the Chancellor, Dr K.K. Sarpong, said the celebration was not just about the past but also a call to remain relevant, lead with integrity and prepare future leaders who can embrace technology and innovation.
He said it was a time to reflect on achievements, overcome challenges and strengthen UPSA’s social and academic impact.
Mr Kwabena Agyekum, Chairman of the 60th Anniversary Planning Committee, outlined a year-long programme of activities starting from August 2025 to June 2026.
The events began with internal stakeholder engagement in April and a logo competition, whose winners will be announced this month.
“Key upcoming activities include the first UPSA at 60 Legacy Lecture on August 19, featuring former South African President Jacob Zuma as keynote speaker, September will see stakeholder engagement and a luncheon to honour past and present council members and retired staff, and other activities, “ he said.
The celebrations will end in June 2026 with the second Legacy Lecture, an awards night, the launch of a research grant scheme and academic excellence awards.
Mr Agyekum was optimistic that the anniversary was expected to engage over one million people both physically and online, with more than a million media impressions expected.
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