The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has hosted a three-member delegation from Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH), Sweden, to operationalise the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions in 2025.
The visit aimed at developing a roadmap for collaboration in key areas including proposed joint bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degree programmes, staff and student exchanges, joint proposal and grant writing, research in artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as co-supervision of postgraduate students. The partnership also seeks to leverage technology to support remote teaching and explore opportunities for joint conferences and seminars.
The delegation comprised Prof. Niklas Lavesson, Professor of Software Engineering and Country Director for Ghana–Tanzania; Mr. Gurudutt Velpula, Director of Internationalisation; and Prof. Martin Andersson, Professor of Industrial Economics and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.
Receiving the delegation, the Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CANS), Prof. Rofela Combey, expressed satisfaction with the relationship established between the two universities.
She emphasised the importance of the collaboration, noting that it aligns with her vision for the College, and reaffirmed her support for the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology (DCSIT) in implementing the existing MoU.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting team, Prof. Niklas Lavesson expressed appreciation to the leadership of the College for the warm reception.
He described the engagement as a strong indication of UCC’s readiness to establish a meaningful partnership with BTH.
Prof. Lavesson further stated that Blekinge Institute of Technology hopes to establish a strong presence in Ghana where students would associate the institution with quality education and future partnership opportunities.
Present at the meeting were management members from CANS and DCSIT, including the Head of Department, Dr. (Mrs.) Alimatu-Saadia Yussiff; the Vice-Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof. Paul Agu Asare; Dr. Charles Roland Haruna; Dr. Regina Esi Turkson; Dr. Maame G. Asante Mensah; Mr. Elliot Attipoe; Mr. Isaac Armah-Mensah; and Ms. Linda Otoo.
In a related development, the delegation also held a meeting with management and staff of the School of Business.
During the meeting, the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Development (CESED), Prof. (Mrs.) Mavis Serwah Benneh, highlighted CESED’s commitment to entrepreneurship education, research, and practice within the University.
She explained that the establishment of CESED consolidated several long-standing initiatives undertaken by the UCC School of Business to promote entrepreneurship development.
In response, Prof. Lavesson expressed gratitude to CESED and the School of Business for the warm reception.
He recalled the MoU signed between UCC and BTH in 2025, describing it as a major step toward strengthening the academic and societal roles of both institutions for their mutual benefit.
Also present at the meeting were former Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Rosemond Boohene; Vice-Dean of the School of Business, Prof. Innocent Senyo Kwasi Acquah; Director of the Design Thinking and Innovation Hub, Dr. Edward Nii Amar Amarteifio; Dr. Charles Hackman Essel; Dr. Enoch Mensah-Williams; and Mr. Richmond Asumadu.