UGBS and Development Bank Ghana Sign MoU to Advance Research Agenda

(L-R) Mr. Michael Mensah Baah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for DBG and Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor

The University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Development Bank Ghana (DBG), to strengthen ties in human resource development, training, and capacity building, which will help drive the University's research agenda. 

The MoU was signed on behalf of UGBS by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, and the Dean of UGBS, Prof. Justice Bawole, and on behalf of DBG by Mr. Michael Mensah Baah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for DBG.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Appiah Amfo signing the Agreement

Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, who chaired the meeting, stated her vision of creating a convenient teaching and learning environment for all in the University, as well as ensuring that the partnership yields positive results in the country and the continent at large. She disclosed that, the DBG-UG partnership aims to provide evidence-based policy options, and alternatives to policymakers and key stakeholders, as well as promote student internship opportunities for the MSc Development Finance programme.

After the signing, a roundtable discussion was held on the theme "Deepening Development Finance Knowledge, Innovation and Impact."  

The panel members during the discussion 

Prof. Justice Bawole mentioned at the beginning of the roundtable that the goal of the discussion was to equip students with business innovation skills. He further added that the School is poised to inculcate knowledge, necessary to produce wealth creators and inventors. He expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, which will strengthen the Business School's relationship with DBG. 

Mr. Bernard Avle, renowned media personality, General Manager of Citi FM and Citi TV and moderator for the event, introduced the keynote speakers, who addressed topics on Finance, Knowledge, and Innovation, respectively. Keynote speakers included; Prof. Vera Fiador, Associate Professor of Finance at UGBS and UG’s first female full professor of Finance; Mr. Daniel Addo, CEO, Consolidate Bank Ghana (CBG) and a turnaround expert who was named Marketing Man of the Year in 2021; and Mr. Michael Mensah Baah (DCEO, DBG) and a Corporate Executive in Residence with 25 years of experience in Europe and Africa.

Mr. Bernard Avle, General Manager of Citi FM and Citi TV

Mr. Mensah touched on female and youth entrepreneurship during his presentation, informing participants that DBG was committed to supporting, funding, and capacity-building of entrepreneurs.

Speaking on Knowledge, Prof. Vera Fiador argued that what is important for one economy does not necessarily apply to another, which is why there is a continuing need for research. She advocated for more industry academia collaboration to advance critical technological advancement and bridge the cultural divide.

Prof. Vera Fiador, Associate Professor of Finance at UGBS

Mr. Daniel Addo addressed the issue of Innovation. He provided a brief history of development banks in Ghana, as well as some key points that development banks should consider. These include internal capital generation and performance management.

Mr. Daniel Addo, CEO, Consolidate Bank Ghana (CBG)

Following the presentations by the speakers, there was a panel discussion and a Q&A session.

Others present at the event were Dr. K.K. Sarpong, Chancellor, UPSA;

A cross-section of participants at the event

Dr. Ellen Hagan, L’aine CEO; Mr. Kojo Addo Kufour, UGBS Advisory Board member; Mr. Paa Kwesi Yankey, Chairman, Zeepay; and other representatives from UGBS and DBG.