UG, MTN Ghana Strengthen Partnership to Advance Digital Innovation and Talent Development

The University of Ghana and MTN Ghana have strengthened their collaboration through a new strategic partnership aimed at advancing digital skills, artificial intelligence (AI), research, innovation and industry-ready talent among Ghanaian youth.

The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the MTN Ghana Head Office in Accra on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. The signing also marked the launch of the 2026 MTN Ghana Tɛkyerɛma Pa Hackathon, an innovation challenge focused on developing practical and inclusive digital solutions to real-world challenges.

The MoU brings together the University’s academic and research expertise and MTN Ghana’s experience in digital technology and connectivity to create opportunities for students and young innovators to gain practical industry exposure, develop digital competencies and translate academic knowledge into solutions with real-world impact.

The collaboration includes the implementation of the MTN Ghana Digital Excellence Awards and the Tɛkyerɛma Pa Hackathon, providing platforms for students and young innovators to develop and demonstrate technology-based solutions. It will also support AI and digital skills development, research and innovation, industry engagement and practical learning.

Tɛkyerɛma Pa, an initiative emerging from the University’s Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Lab, uses AI and speech-recognition technologies to address communication barriers faced by persons with speech impairments while incorporating Ghanaian languages into digital solutions. The 2026 hackathon will build on this work by encouraging young innovators to develop inclusive technology solutions that respond to local needs.

Speaking at the engagement, MTN Ghana Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett, underscored the importance of industry-academia collaboration in building Ghana’s digital future. He emphasised the need for Ghana to embrace AI while ensuring that its development responds to local needs and creates opportunities for the next generation.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, highlighted the importance of digital competence in preparing students for the future of work and emphasised the need for an inclusive digital future where people are not excluded because of language, gender or disability.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the University of Ghana and MTN Ghana, including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo; Deputy Minister for Education, Hon. Dr Clement Abas Apaak; UG Registrar, Mr Michael Opare Atuah; Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe; Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana; and Prof. Isaac Wiafe, Lead of the HCI Lab and Project Lead for Tɛkyerɛma Pa. MTN Ghana was represented by members of its leadership, including Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett and Chief Digital Officer, Ibrahim Misto.

The partnership marks another step in strengthening industry-academia engagement and creating practical pathways for research, innovation and student talent to contribute to Ghana’s digital transformation.