UGBS Hosts Johnson C. Smith University Students for Academic and Cultural Exchange Programme
The University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) hosted students from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), United States of America, for a week-long academic and cultural exchange programme aimed at deepening global learning and collaboration. The visiting delegation was led by the Dean of the College of Business and Professional Studies, Prof. Alphonso Ogbuehi, and faculty members; Prof. John Lewis Cash Jr. and Prof. Judith Denise Crockery-Billingsley. The programme, which took place from 8th to 15th March 2026, featured a blend of academic sessions, industry engagements, and cultural experiences. It was coordinated by the UGBS International Relations Unit under the leadership of Prof. Elikplimi K. Agbloyor.
Prof. Agbloyor with speakers and participants after the session on Ghana’s economy and business landscape
The academic engagement commenced with an introductory session led by Prof. Agbloyor, who provided an overview of Ghana’s history, including its independence and political evolution under Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He discussed Ghana’s current governance structure, the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and offered insights into the structure of the University of Ghana and UGBS, including its academic programmes, student population, campuses, and institutional leadership. Expressing appreciation for the warm reception, Prof. Ogbuehi noted that the visit was the outcome of sustained engagement between both institutions. He emphasised that the delegation’s objective was to gain a deeper understanding of Ghana’s culture, education system, and business environment.
As part of the programme, students participated in a high-level session on Ghana’s economy and business landscape, moderated by Prof. Agbloyor. The session featured presentations from Mr. Samuel Danquah Arkhurst of the Ministry of Finance, Prof. Priscilla Twumasi Baffour of the Department of Economics, University of Ghana, and Eugenia Basheer of Tesah Capital Limited. The discussions provided insights into Ghana’s fiscal policies, economic management, taxation challenges, and development priorities. Key issues addressed included public expenditure trends, infrastructure deficits, youth employment, industrialisation, and the role of the private sector in economic growth. The session also explored Ghana’s capital markets, pension reforms, and the impact of recent financial sector developments.
After the session on Mobile Banking and Finance in Ghana
Another session on Mobile Money and Agency Banking happened and was moderated by Prof. Agbloyor. The panel members included Mr. Abdul-Majeed Rufai- Senior Manager, FinTech Channels for MTN Mobile, Mr. Samuel Offei - Head of Agency Banking, ABSA Bank Limited Ghana, Mr. Benjamin Quarshie- Agency Banking Operations Manager, ABSA and Mr. Evans Otumfuo- Mobile Money Agents President. The session highlighted opportunities and challenges within Ghana’s evolving financial services sector. These industry practitioners from MTN and Absa Bank Ghana discussed the growth of digital financial services, financial inclusion, and the role of agents in expanding access to banking. Presentations covered the history and impact of mobile money since its introduction in 2009, the scale of agent networks, digital payment systems, and ongoing efforts to address fraud and regulatory concerns.
Students were further introduced to innovation and entrepreneurship at the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub, where the Coordinator, Dr. Priscilla Ntriwaa Otuo, outlined the Hub’s impact in supporting startups, training students, and creating employment opportunities. Beneficiaries of the Hub, including Mr. Joseph Owiredu of Fihankra ComTech Limited and Mr. Sedem Avenu, shared their entrepreneurial journeys and the role of the Hub in their growth. The delegation also visited the United States Embassy in Ghana, where they received an overview of the Embassy’s role in strengthening diplomatic relations. Given that many of the participants are undergraduate students, the discussion focused on skills development, global exposure, and the qualifications required to pursue career in the U.S. Foreign Service.
At Ghana Stock Exchange with Mr. Jerry Boachie-Danquah
The delegation also visited the Ghana Stock Exchange, where they received a presentation on the evolution of Ghana’s capital market by Mr. Jerry Boachie-Danquah, Head of Marketing and PR. He explained the company’s role in capital formation, and ongoing institutional reforms. Another key highlight of the academic engagement was a session on Global Marketing Strategy delivered by Prof. Sheena Lovia Boateng from the UGBS Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship. She examined culture as a core driver of global marketing strategy. Drawing comparisons between Ghanaian and American consumer contexts, she highlighted how differences in social norms, perceptions of authority, and time orientation shape purchasing decisions and brand interactions. She used the Ghanaian philosophy of Sankofa to illustrate the importance of understanding cultural heritage when designing global strategies, noting that effective marketing requires learning from the past to inform future decisions.
In another session, Dr. Edwin Alfred Nii Obodai Provencal delivered a case study on transforming state-owned enterprises, focusing on the operations and strategic direction of Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST). He discussed BOST’s role in developing and maintaining a national network for the storage, transportation, and distribution of petroleum products in Ghana. Drawing on his experience as the former Managing Director, Dr. Provencal discussed the intersection of politics and business operations in managing state-owned enterprises and further emphasised the need for African state-owned enterprises to adopt innovative, performance-driven strategies to remain relevant and contribute meaningfully to national development.
A visit to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
Beyond the classroom, the students undertook educational tours across key historical and cultural sites, including the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Kakum National Park, Elmina Castle, Accra Arts Centre, and the Makola Market. They also visited the Institute of African Studies and the Department of Archaeology at the University of Ghana, where they explored African heritage, artefacts, and historical developments. JCSU students had the opportunity to learn how to play indigenous Ghanaian games including Oware and Ludo. The exchange programme also incorporated cultural immersion activities. Dr. Terry Bright Kweku Ofosu from the Department of Dance (UG) engaged the students in an interactive session on Ghanaian dance traditions, including Agboja and Kete, highlighting their cultural significance and role in community life. The visiting students experienced traditional music and dance.
Learning of Ghanaian Indigenous Dance
At the closing ceremony, Prof. Albert Ahenkan, Head of the Department of Public Administration spoke on behalf of the Dean of UGBS. He expressed appreciation to the delegation and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to internationalisation and academic exchange. He noted that such collaborations are essential in preparing globally competitive graduates. Prof. Ogbuehi, in his closing remarks, described the programme as a memorable and impactful experience for his students, emphasising JCSU’s commitment to providing global exposure. The programme concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony to participating students and faculty.