UGBS Alumni Relations Unit Visits KPMG to Deepen Institutional Ties
The Alumni Relations Unit of the University of Ghana Business School has paid a courtesy visit to KPMG as part of efforts to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the two institutions. The visit took place on 12th May 2026 at the KPMG premises in Accra and sought to fraternise and deepen collaboration between the Business School and the professional services firm. They were warmly received by Mr. Andrew Akoto, Country Managing Partner; Ms. Joyceline Coleman, Partner and Head of Corporate Affairs; Mr. Jeremiah Addo, Manager, IT Advisory & Strategy and Business Planning Manager; and Ms. Adjoa Winful, Assistant Manager, Corporate Affairs.
According to the UGBS School Administrator, Mr. Emmanuel Poku-Sarkodee, the visit was organised to congratulate Mr. Akoto on his appointment and achievements while also strengthening ties with KPMG. He noted that a significant number of UGBS alumni work at KPMG, estimating that about 60% of the firm’s workforce are alumni of the Business School. He further recalled previous engagements between the two institutions, including UGBS Chocolate Day celebrations held at KPMG during Valentine’s Day.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr. Andrew Akoto highlighted the importance of the relationship between KPMG and UGBS, describing the Business School as one of KPMG’s key stakeholders in training and mentoring young professionals in accounting and finance. Mr. Akoto expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit and acknowledged the impact of the University of Ghana, particularly UGBS, in shaping many of KPMG’s staff members. He stated that it is always important to reflect on how the school has contributed to professional development and identify areas for improvement for the benefit of the nation. He commended UGBS for its role in nurturing students into responsible professionals and highlighted opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the two institutions, especially in the areas of accounting, auditing, tax, and advisory services. According to him, although a relationship already exists between UGBS and KPMG, there is room to further deepen and enhance the partnership.
Discussions underway during the meeting at KPMG
Speaking on the development of young professionals, Mr. Akoto stressed that KPMG is intentional about grooming its staff because they carry the identity and values of the firm wherever they go. He added that students today have access to numerous opportunities for growth and should therefore take advantage of these opportunities to improve their skills and competencies. He further proposed two key areas the school could focus on in developing students. First, he encouraged UGBS to instil entrepreneurial thinking in students to help them identify opportunities, think differently, and build confidence in entrepreneurship. Secondly, he emphasised the importance of ethics and professionalism, noting that students should understand professional conduct, corporate values, and workplace culture before graduating. According to him, graduates entering institutions such as KPMG should be easily identified by their professionalism, innovativeness, and sense of purpose.
Dr. Edward Entee, Lecturer and UGBS Alumni Relations Coordinator, formally invited Mr. Akoto to the upcoming UGBS Management Week celebration and congratulated him on his appointment. Prof. Vera Ogeh Fiador, Head of the Department of Finance at UGBS, commended KPMG for its contribution to the accounting and finance profession in Ghana and beyond. She proposed the establishment of a feedback platform that would enable UGBS to assess how its graduates are performing in the workplace and identify ways of improving teaching and training at the school. Prof. Fiador also informed the KPMG team about the UGBS Corporate Executives in Residence initiative and reiterated the school’s readiness to support industry through consultancy and other professional collaborations when needed.
Ms. Joyceline Coleman noted that KPMG has consistently engaged and supported UGBS over the years and expressed optimism about deepening the relationship further, particularly given the large number of UGBS alumni working with the firm. Mr. Jeremiah Addo also commended UGBS for the quality of graduates it produces and reflected on the impact of former Dean of UGBS, Prof. Justice Nyigmah Bawole, who taught them the importance of ethics and professionalism. He added that UGBS continues to distinguish itself and described the engagement as a pleasure. Present at the meeting was also Ms. Afia Benewaa Domfeh, Alumni Relations Officer at UGBS.