Department of Accounting Launches Accounting and Auditing Chamber to Strengthen Students’ Professional Competence
The Department of Accounting at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has officially launched an Accounting and Auditing Chamber (AAC), a pioneering initiative designed to enhance industry-ready graduates through experiential learning, professional mentorship and stronger engagement with the accounting profession. The launch, held on 20th July 2026 at the R. S. Amegashie Auditorium, formed part of activities marking the Accounting Students’ Association (ASA) Week celebration. The ceremony brought together faculty members, alumni, patrons, industry executives, professional accountants and students to witness what was described as a significant milestone in accounting education at UGBS.
Delivering the purpose of the gathering, Mr. Richman Nkansah, President of ASA, City Campus, encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunities created by the Department under the leadership of the Head of Department, Prof. Godfred Matthew Yaw Owusu. He urged his colleagues to actively participate in the week’s activities, network with professionals, develop their accounting competencies and position themselves for successful careers. Unveiling the ASA Week celebration, Mr. Isaac Addo, President of the Accounting Students’ Association for Main Campus, noted that the week had been carefully designed to benefit students and prepare them for the realities of the financial and accounting profession.
Prof. Godfred Matthew Yaw Owusu, Head of the Department of Accounting
In his address, the Head of the Department of Accounting, Prof. Godfred Matthew Yaw Owusu explained that the gathering served three important purposes: to join in the celebration of the ASA Week, recognise and motivate outstanding students through the HoD Distinguished Honours, and officially launch the Accounting and Auditing Chamber. After explaining the criteria for selection for the HoD Distinguished Honours, students who attained outstanding grade point averages were recognised for their academic achievements and presented with certificates in acknowledgement of their hard work and dedication. “We want to enhance your capacity before you leave the school and make you highly competitive by meeting industry halfway through teaching what industry actually wants,” he stated. Prof. Owusu further revealed that the Dean of Student, University of Ghana had formally recognised and approved the establishment of the Chamber. He expressed confidence that the Department’s recent innovations would continue to receive positive recognition from industry professionals and urged students to appreciate the importance of participating in programmes organised for their personal and professional development.
The official launch of the Accounting and Auditing Chamber was led by the Patron, Prof. Francis Aboagye Otchere, after which the interim Advisory Board and student executives of the Chamber were inducted. Prof. Otchere explained that the Chamber would serve as a practical professional platform through which students would receive technical and experiential training beyond the classroom. He outlined the Chamber’s key activities, which include technical training; supervised real-world accounting services such as bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, internal audit and review, and management reporting; the establishment of an Audit and Accounting Lounge; creating direct links between students, employers and professional accounting bodies; and maintaining rigorous quality control systems to ensure high standards of professional practice. According to him, the Chamber’s vision is to become recognised by employers as an institution that produces graduates who are better prepared, better connected and more professionally confident than when they entered the University.
Prof. Francis Aboagye Otchere, patron for ASA
He further outlined six major benefits available to members of the Chamber, namely real work experience that strengthens students’ curricula vitae, continuous professional engagement, access to practitioner mentors, internship and business opportunities, the development of professional skills in accordance with established standards, and membership of a vibrant professional community. The ceremony also witnessed the induction of the Chamber’s Advisory Board and student executives. The Advisory Board comprises Dr. Rita Amoah Bekoe- Senior Lecturer at UGBS, Prof. Samuel Nana Yaw Simpson- UGBS, Mr. Kwame Osei Yeboah- Senior Accountant at the University of Ghana, Mr. Bartholomew Darko- Chartered Accountant, and Dr. William Ofori Darko, who serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board.
Prof. Otchere also explained the philosophy behind the establishment of the Chamber, stating that it was created to provide students with structured and supervised opportunities to engage in real accounting and auditing work throughout their academic journey. He noted that the Chamber is a student-led organisation supported by faculty members, alumni and industry practitioners, with the objective of transforming classroom learning into verifiable professional competence. He further observed that the Advisory Board is made up of highly experienced professionals with extensive networks capable of opening doors for students through mentorship, professional guidance and career opportunities. According to him, by the time students complete their studies at UGBS, they will already possess valuable exposure to the realities of the accounting profession, giving them a significant advantage as they transition into the world of work.
Mr. James Otieku, a former Head of the Department of Accounting
Also addressing the gathering was Mr. James Otieku, a former Head of the Department of Accounting, who commended the Department’s leadership and faculty for creating what he described as an exceptional opportunity for students to gain practical experience before entering the job market. He noted that while academic certificates remain important, employers increasingly seek graduates who possess practical skills and can demonstrate competence in real workplace situations. He encouraged students to take advantage of the Chamber, stressing that the experience gained would enable them to speak confidently and perform effectively in their future careers.
Some students at the AAC launch event