Ghanaian industry leaders inspire students in Africa

By Carl ODAME-GYENTI

Bridging the gap between academia and industry is essential for fostering innovation, driving economic growth and ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.

This involves creating stronger connections and collaborations between educational institutions and businesses to align research, curriculum and training with the needs of the modern economy.

Challenges in bridging this gap largely stem from differing priorities, communication barriers and, to a large extent, lack of awareness. By addressing these challenges and implementing effective strategies, universities and industries can work together to create a more dynamic and productive ecosystem that benefits both education and the economy.

As part of efforts to equip tertiary students with the necessary skills and tools, the Ghana High Commission in Kenya, in collaboration with the Ghanaian Students’ Association—East Africa (GSEA), took the initiative to organise an event on August 9, 2025 themed ‘Encounter with the Professions’. The event brought together over 200 tertiary students studying various courses such as Law, Accountancy, Medical Biology, Business Administration, Pharmacy, Data Science and many others in various tertiary institutions across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Ghana. Some of the universities include USIU-Africa; University of Nairobi, Kenya; University of Dar es Salaam, Tangaza University, Kenyatta University of Law, Vision Institute of Professionals, Strathmore University, University of Ghana, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, University of Cape Coast, Marist International University College and Africa Leadership University.

Speaking at the inaugural seminar on behalf of His Excellency Damptey Bediako Asare, the Ghana High Commissioner in Kenya, Mr. Joseph Adjei (First Secretary – Political and Economic) expressed his heartfelt gratitude to students and the role the commission is playing to foster mutual relation between Ghana and Kenya. He further reflected on the message ‘Building Bridges, Empowering Futures’ under a shared vision of community, collaboration and growth.

As the premier umbrella organisation for Ghanaian scholars in East Africa, GSAE is dedicated to fostering unity, mentorship and opportunity, empowering members to thrive academically, professionally and personally. Participants had the opportunity to connect with a dynamic network of peers and professionals from industry leaders through career insights and mentorship sessions.

The launch of this platform is designed to uplift and unite the community.  He embraced the idea of laying the foundation for a vibrant, supportive student community where every member can grow, inspire and succeed.

The programme was graced by a panel of resourceful speakers with distinguished profiles:

Akofa Atawa Dakwa is a Banking and Finance Professional with 20 years’ experience in the banking industry. Her expertise includes strategy design and execution, enterprise risk management, treasury & financial markets and operational resilience. Akofa is currently the Deputy Managing Director at Bank of Africa Kenya Ltd. She is also an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Boards of Guinness Ghana Breweries and Savvy Securities Ghana Ltd. Akofa started her career journey in the year 2004 with Unilever Ghana Ltd., and worked for a year in their Supply Chain Division.

She then moved on to pursue a career in Banking, as part of the pioneer team of Guaranty Trust Bank Ghana Ltd. in 2005, where she worked for three years in their Treasury and Risk Management Departments.

Akofa joined the then Amalgamated Bank (now Bank of Africa) in 2008 where she held various roles, key among them as Chief Risk Officer and Head of Treasury. She has been credited with transforming the Treasury Department of the bank into a key strategic business unit and contributed to the turnaround of the bank. She also has a strong reputation for developing high-performance teams.

Akofa is a Chartered Accountant (FCCA, UK), a Chartered Banker (CIB-Ghana) and a Certified Financial Risk Manager (GARP, USA). She also holds an MBA in Finance and Risk Management from the Business School Netherlands, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the Mountcrest University, Ghana and a B.Sc. Biochemistry degree from KNUST, Ghana.

Akofa is a member of the ACCA’s Global forum for Governance, Risk and Performance. She is also a member of the Executive Women Network, Ghana, where she contributes to advocacy and support for women executives and entrepreneurs in Ghana.

Hafsa Arthur is the Regional Head of Marketing, Africa at PZ Cussons Kenya. She leads brands toward robust growth and market leadership. She held various roles working with SC Johnsons and Nestle in Ghana. Hafsa is a Certified Maxwell Leadership team member. Her expertise in advertisement is not just about promoting products, but about weaving narratives that foster deep connections with customers in a fast-moving consumer goods sector. As proud student of Wesley Girls’ High School, Cape Coast, she holds Executive MBA in Marketing and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Ghana, Legon.

George David Allotey has over 16 years of work experience in the Financial Markets and Investment Management industry. Throughout his career, he has led teams of investment professionals across strategy, portfolio management, research, product development and risk management, covering both traditional and non-traditional asset classes. He is currently the Associate Director, Investments, at ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company) – an institution of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Prior to his current role, he served as the Chief Investment Officer at Stanbic Investment Management Services in Ghana, where he advocated for and advised private pension schemes on investing in alternative assets to deepen their relevance in the Ghanaian economy. He holds an MA in Energy Law, an MBA in Finance and a BSc in Land Economy. George is a proud Kantagee and an old boy of Prempeh College – Amanfo).

During the panel discussions, Akofa spoke on roles within the banking sector, which requirs skills and certifications, career progression and interview preparation. George focused on ‘Investment Fundamentals for Young Professionals’, covering investment vehicles, the importance of starting early, building a career in investment management and financial planning. Hafsa addressed ‘Building a Brand and Marketing Your Career’, highlighting the difference between B2B and B2C marketing, personal branding, current digital marketing trends and continuous skill acquisition.

A central highlight of the event was networking and mentorship, aimed at building meaningful connections between students and industry professionals. Equally important was the drive to provide internships and work placements, giving students the practical, real-world experience essential for bridging the gap between academia and industry. As the inaugural event, the long-term vision is to maintain ongoing engagement, with professionals continually inspiring younger generations to strive for excellence, become responsible citizens and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Ghana, Africa and the wider world. Special appreciation goes to the organisers of the students’ body for championing such a worthy cause.

>>>the writer is author of Dare to Dream book, a Financial Institutions Coverage and Paytech expert, a Certified Treasury Professional working with an international bank in Kenya, East Africa. Contact:  [email protected], Cell: 254 70 5459061

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