The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) is a public Ghanaian institution that provides both academic and professional higher education. UPSA is the oldest Ghanaian human resource development institution with over fifty (50) years of experience in professional Accountancy and Management. The University is located in Accra, Ghana.
The University offers both academic degrees and provide tuition for business professional qualifications. UPSA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programmes (ACBSP) in USA
History of University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA)
Initially, UPSA was known as the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS), founded in 1965 by Nana J.K. Opoku Ampomah as a private business professional institution. It was the only tertiary educational institution in West Africa at the time that trained professional accountants and administrators. Over the years, the institute has undergone significant restructuring, leading to its current status as UPSA. The Government took over in 1978 by the Institute of Professional Studies Decree, 1979 (SMCD 200). This Decree made made UPSA a public University.
Subsequently, on 22nd April 1999, the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) Act, Act 566 was passed to establish the Institute as a tertiary institution with the responsibility of providing tertiary education in the academic disciplines of Accountancy and Management. The Institute became a fully-fledged university capable of awarding its own certificates, diplomas and degrees for its accredited programmes. This took place on September, 2008.
Furthermore in 2012, the name of the Institution was changed from Institute of Professional Studies to University of Professional Studies. On 26th April, 2018 the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo unveiled the plaque to rename the University after the Founder of the Institute, Nana Opoku Ampomah. The necessary constitutional and legal processes have been put in motion to effect the name change to Opoku Ampomah University of Professional Studies.
Read Also: UPSA Admission Requirements, Forms, Fees and Programmes
Is UPSA a private University?
UPSA was a private University until 1978, where the Government took over.
University of Professional Studies School Logo and its meaning
The Coat-of-Arms of UPSA has three main features
- A Symbol
- A Shield
- A Banner/Scroll
The Symbol
The Symbol is an adaptation of the Adinkrah symbol ‘Ako Ben.’ The Ako Ben is literally translated as ‘War Horn’, a horn used by the Akan traditional War Chief to call his warriors to war. It represents a state of readiness, vigilance and wariness.
The Adinkrah Symbol ‘Ako Ben’
Also, the Symbol, in navy blue colour, signifies the readiness of the University of Professional Studies to promote higher education, by transforming students into graduates who are critical thinkers, confident and wield authority in their fields of discipline.
The Shield
The Shield with the Gold colour is a symbol of protection of the wealth or assets of the University, that is: its intellectual property- which is its pride; its Faculty members– who are the drivers of the knowledge and skills development process; its students- who are the reason for its existence and its alumni – who are the evidence of the success of the University.
The Banner/Scroll:
The Banner/Scroll has the inscription-Scholarship with Professionalism- which is the motto of the University. The motto is an expression of the academic intent of the University to provide students with the knowledge and skills so that as graduates, they would be able to solve problems for the socio-economic development of Ghana
Vision
To be a world class education provider in both academic and professional disciplines, nationally entrenched, regionally recognized and globally relevant.
Credo
Knowledge, a basis for development is relevant when shared and used.
Mission Statement
We strive to provide and promote quality higher education and training in management and other related disciplines by leveraging a structured mix of Scholarship with Professionalism in Ghana and beyond.
We believe our first responsibility is to the students, staff, parents, alumni and all other stakeholders. In meeting their needs, everything we do epitomizes scholarship with professionalism.
Scholarship to the university means the Pursuit and acquisition of Knowledge and Professionalism means Application of knowledge for Development in an ethical way. These two are the key driving forces of UPSA’s existence.
Read Also: UPSA: Drolor Centre for Strategic Leadership
Core Values of University of Professional Studies
Integrity, Responsibility/respect and Service are the key values of UPSA Code of Conduct.
Integrity
UPSA is determined to act consistently in accordance with its principles and core values.
Responsibility/Respect
Respect in the University’s community means, respect for one’s self, others and the University’s values as well as the responsibility one bears towards himself and others.
Service
Service in the UPSA community means recognizing social needs and applying our strengths and knowledge to address those needs.
In conclusion, the university seeks be a world class education provider in both academic and professional disciplines, nationally entrenched, regionally recognized and globally relevant. Also, the University has been through many changes to get it to its current state.