The University of Cape Coast (UCC) School of Business has marked its 50th anniversary with a strong call for investment in infrastructure, innovation and industry-driven education, as it positions itself to meet rising demand for postgraduate business programmes.
At the climax of the anniversary celebrations in December 2025, Dean of the School, Prof. Samuel Kwaku Agyei, disclosed that the School requires about GH¢180 million to bridge its infrastructure deficit, particularly to support new postgraduate programmes, including a proposed Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
He appealed to government, GETFund, corporate institutions, alumni, development partners and the University Council to support the construction of a postgraduate complex, describing it as critical to sustaining the School’s growth and competitiveness.
“The demand for our postgraduate programmes continues to grow. Without urgent investment in infrastructure, our ability to deliver quality training and research will be constrained,” Prof. Agyei said.
The anniversary, themed “UCC School of Business @50: Expanding the Frontiers of Business Excellence,” reflected on the School’s evolution from modest beginnings into a leading centre for business education, research and industry engagement in Ghana.
Industry and policy voices challenge School to stay relevant
The Grand Durbar, held at the New Examination Centre, brought together university leadership, traditional authorities, alumni and industry leaders.
Chancellor of UCC, Dr. (Sir) Sam Jonah, urged the School to continue producing graduates who are ethical, innovative and capable of creating jobs rather than seeking them.
Government economic adviser, Seth Terkper, challenged the School to strengthen governance training to help nurture responsible business leaders and public sector managers.
Cape Coast North MP, Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku, encouraged the School to align its research and training with national development priorities, including flagship initiatives such as the Big Push infrastructure programme.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Association of Bankers, Mr. John Awuah, called for stronger linkages between classroom learning and real-world business challenges, suggesting greater use of case studies on issues such as the banking sector clean-up, COVID-19 shocks and the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.
From the professional services space, Dr. (Mrs.) Pamela Des Bordes of Ernst & Young emphasised the importance of embedding ethics, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, sustainability and internationalisation into the curriculum.
Dr. Edith Dankwa, Executive Chair of the Business and Financial Times,also stressed the need for deeper partnerships between academia and industry.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Dennis Worlanyo Aheto, advised the School to continuously adapt its training to the fast-changing business environment and national development needs.
Months of academic, community and alumni engagement
The anniversary activities began in July 2025 with an official launch and a public lecture on Artificial Intelligence and Business Solutions, highlighting the growing role of technology in business decision-making, innovation and ethics.
Community engagement activities included a float through Cape Coast to raise public awareness, as well as a Senior High School Business Quiz to stimulate early interest in business education. The School also organised its maiden online alumni professional development session on work-life balance for busy professionals.
During the main anniversary week in December, activities included a library exhibition showcasing fifty years of achievements, health screening for staff and students, sporting activities, a campus clean-up exercise, and thanksgiving services.
Distinguished alumni, faculty and partners were recognised for their contributions to the School’s growth.
Fundraising and future engagements ahead
Beyond the anniversary, the School plans further engagements, including an alumni homecoming and fundraising drive, business community outreach in Cape Coast, and a panel discussion on illegal mining and livelihoods.
Donations towards the proposed postgraduate complex can be made to the School of Business Development Fund at Zenith Bank, Cape Coast.
As the School enters its next phase, management says it will deepen its focus on innovation, research excellence and industry collaboration to strengthen Ghana’s business leadership pipeline.
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