Department of Accounting Deepens Strategic Collaboration with Ernst & Young Ghana
On Wednesday, 12 November 2025, the Department of Accounting at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) undertook a substantive engagement with Ernst & Young (EY) Ghana, reaffirming a shared commitment to fostering purposeful, industry-centred partnerships.
The faculty delegation, led by the Head of Department, Professor Godfred M. Y. Owusu, comprised eight senior academics and researchers. They were hosted by Mr. Kwasi Nyantakyi Owiredu, Associate Partner (Tax), and Mr. James Vanderpuye, Associate Partner (Assurance). During the discussions, Mr. Owiredu outlined the firm’s operational focus and reflected on its longstanding relationship with UGBS. He noted that 40 per cent of EY Ghana’s staff and one-third of its partners are graduates of the Business School, underscoring the School’s enduring influence on the development of Ghana’s accounting profession.
The meeting identified several avenues for expanded collaboration, including: structured internship pathways for high-achieving students; jointly organised seminars, mentorship initiatives, and guest lectures; faculty secondment opportunities to enhance industry exposure; and the establishment of an EY-Sponsored Chair in Accounting to advance research and thought leadership.
The EY partners also offered insights on the evolving expectations of employers, highlighting professionalism, punctuality, adaptability, and strong research competence as distinguishing attributes of successful graduates. They encouraged the Department to consider reinstating the Long Essay as a compulsory element of the curriculum to strengthen students’ analytical capability and independent inquiry.
In his closing remarks, Professor Owusu expressed appreciation for EY’s sustained support and welcomed the prospect of deeper collaboration. He reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to producing ethical, capable, and industry-ready graduates. EY concluded the meeting by assuring the Department of its continued partnership and announcing its forthcoming 25th Anniversary celebrations, with a formal invitation to be extended in due course.