The worldwide alumni network of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), recently gathered in a lively and grand celebration to mark a momentous occasion—the 95th birthday of the institution’s visionary founder, Nana J.K. Opoku-Ampomah.
This remarkable event not only commemorated his extraordinary journey but also paid homage to the transformative influence he had on the institution, its alumni, and Ghana’s educational landscape.
Nana J.K. Opoku-Ampomah’s legacy can be traced back to his humble beginnings in Bekwai, Ashanti Region, where he was born on August 28, 1928. After pursuing higher education at the prestigious University of Ghana, Legon, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration, setting the groundwork for his future endeavors.
Fueled by a fervent ambition to establish an institution that would nurture the talents of professional accountants and administrators, Nana Opoku-Ampomah took a courageous step and founded the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) in 1967. This marked the initial spark that would eventually evolve into the esteemed University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
Nana Opoku-Ampomah’s forward-thinking approach led to IPS offering courses in collaboration with renowned professional bodies such as the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Secretaries (CIS), the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants (ICMA), and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
His pioneering efforts successfully challenged the prevailing notion that university degrees held greater value than professional qualifications, ushering in a transformative change in Ghana’s education landscape.
The celebration attracted a distinguished gathering, including the Inspector General of Police and prominent alumni from various sectors across Ghana. These alumni, now holding influential positions, proudly demonstrated the far-reaching impact of Nana Opoku-Ampomah’s vision, cementing his influence on education and society at large.
One of Nana Opoku-Ampomah’s most notable achievements was the exceptional success of the first group of candidates who undertook professional examinations in 1968. Their resounding triumph not only highlighted the quality of education provided at IPS but also garnered the attention of employers, leading to a surge in demand for IPS graduates.
His vision transcended Ghana’s borders. The institution’s reputation for excellence gained international recognition, with organizations like UNESCO and the Commonwealth Secretariat sponsoring students to study at IPS. This not only underscored the global esteem of the institution but also cultivated a diverse student body, with participants hailing from countries such as Nigeria, Togo, and Dahomey.
As the global UPSA alumni community joyously celebrates Nana J.K. Opoku-Ampomah’s 95th birthday, they not only pay tribute to his visionary leadership but also salute his enduring legacy, which continues to shape the lives of countless individuals and elevate the institution he founded to new heights of excellence.