The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), through its Faculty of Management Studies, has officially launched the UPSA-1000 project, an ambitious initiative aimed at developing 1,000 future-ready business leaders for Ghana and the global market.
The launch event, held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Ohene Konadu Auditorium, brought together students, academics, business professionals, and public sector leaders for a dynamic and forward-looking gathering. The project seeks to bridge the leadership gap in the business sector by providing high-potential students and young professionals with intensive mentorship, industry exposure, and personal development opportunities. This initiative underscores UPSA’s commitment to delivering practical, impact-driven education that extends beyond the classroom.
During the ceremony, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, emphasized the importance of mentorship in shaping the next generation of leaders. He noted that guiding young professionals through structured leadership development is crucial for addressing the leadership deficit in the business sector. Dr. Ernest Mensah Abraham, Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies, further elaborated on the initiative’s structure, highlighting its inclusivity for both students and young professionals beyond the university community. He reiterated UPSA’s dedication to fostering professional leadership development to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving business landscape.
The event also featured a keynote address by the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon George Opare-Addo, who commended UPSA for its commitment to youth empowerment. He emphasized the government’s focus on creating sustainable job opportunities through entrepreneurship and acknowledged that initiatives like UPSA-1000 align with national efforts to drive economic growth.
Additionally, Dr. Juliana Akushika Andoh, a key organizer of the project, called on corporate Ghana and development partners to support the initiative through sponsorships and mentorship programs. She stressed the importance of collaboration in nurturing ethical and visionary business leaders who can contribute meaningfully to society.
The UPSA-1000 project is set to commence its inaugural cohort in the coming weeks, with a focus on cultivating ethical, skilled, and innovative leaders. Prospective participants, mentors, and partners are encouraged to engage with the Faculty of Management Studies for further details on enrollment and collaboration opportunities.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in UPSA’s mission to shape the future of business leadership in Ghana and beyond. For more information, interested parties are advised to contact the Faculty of Management Studies.