The University of Ghana Kumasi City Campus (UGKCC) was officially opened on Saturday, 16th March, 2024, in a colourful event held at the campus in Amakom in the Ashanti Region.

Prof. Edward Nketiah-Amponsah, Acting Principal of UGKCC

In his welcome address, the Acting Principal of UGKCC, Prof. Edward Nketiah-Amponsah, emphasised that in line with the mission and strategic priorities of the University of Ghana, UGKCC is committed to creating an enabling environment that fosters excellence through quality teaching and learning, using technology and anchored in humanism. He assured the people of the Ashanti Region and beyond that UGKCC would uphold the high standards of education that have earned the University of Ghana its longstanding global reputation and prestige.    

Professor Bernandin Senadza,  Acting Principal of UGTCC                                                                                        

Professor Bernandin Senadza, the Acting Principal of the University of Ghana Takoradi City Campus (UGTCC), extended a warm welcome to all on behalf of the Provost of the College of Education. He encouraged the matriculants to seize every opportunity for learning, exploration and personal development, and urged them to embark on this journey with passion, determination and commitment to excellence. Additionally, he announced that the University had awarded a contract for the rehabilitation of the Administrative Block and adjoining buildings. Plans were also underway to upgrade the general infrastructure of the City Campus.                                   

Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor

In her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairperson of the opening ceremony, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, mentioned that the Kumasi City Campus, established in 1962 as the Kumasi Workers' College, was the regional branch of the then Institute of Public Education and currently serves as the learning centre for the University's distance education programmes.

A cross section of matriculants

The Vice-Chancellor noted that after extensive consultations and recognising the need for the University to have a presence in the Ashanti Region, management of the University decided to upgrade its status to that of a City Campus with effect from the 2021/2022 academic year. She added that with the strategic location of UGKCC in the heart of Kumasi, the University of Ghana is determined to accelerate infrastructural development to make it the preferred City Campus for students.        

Hon. Samuel Pyne, Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly

Delivering his address, the Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Hon. Samuel Pyne, welcomed all present to Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region. He commended the University of Ghana for establishing a city campus in the Region.

While speaking on the theme, “Expanding Access to Education through the Establishment of City Campuses”, the Mayor noted that the establishment of the University of Ghana Kumasi City Campus would directly provide opportunity for people who are qualified but are unable to access quality high-education for various reasons. He added these flexible learning opportunities will help diverse learners, especially those who cannot afford the time or expense of travelling to the main campus in Accra.

Nana Okofo Amoapem Brenya I, Chief of Barekese, representing His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II, expressed delight at the establishment of a satellite campus of the University of Ghana in Kumasi and pledged his support for the campus. He noted that he had earlier donated 50 acres of land at Barekese to the University of Ghana Kumasi City Campus for future expansion. He also reiterated that the UGKCC could count on the Manhyia Palace to help safeguard their land from encroachers.

The Chairperson of the City Campus Implementation Committee, Prof. Charity Akotia, provided a brief history of the establishment of the City Campus. She emphasised that although the Committee had made significant progress, their work had only just begun, adding that the Committee will continue to work hard to make the Kumasi City Campus an excellent environment for teaching and learning.

The Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, administered the Matriculation oath to the students. She highlighted the importance of the matriculation ceremony, in accordance with Article 31 of the University of Ghana Act 2010, Act 806. Acknowledging the diverse academic landscape, the Registrar revealed plans by the University to host separate ceremonies for students enrolled in Distance Education and Special Programmes.

Speaking on the expectations of university life on behalf of her fellow matriculants, Miss Tracy Afi Agossa noted that the University of Ghana Kumasi City Campus had proved to be a great place to learn with quality lecture halls that facilitate their studies. She commended the dedicated lecturers who travel from the Legon campus to teach at the UGKCC and highlighted some challenges that need immediate attention from the University Management.

Interludes were provided by the Fontomfrom and the Kete Group of the Manhyia Palace.

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