UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub Hosts High-Level Visit from Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment

Group photo

On May 9, 2025, the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub proudly hosted a significant visit from the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, Honourable George Opare Addo. Accompanied by distinguished guests including the Country Director of the British Council, Mr. Nii Doodo Dodoo, the Pro Vice-Chancellor (UG-RID), Professor Felix Asante, Acting Dean of UGBS, Professor Ahenkorang, and other faculty members, the event marked a milestone in showcasing the hub's impactful work in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among Ghanaian youth.

The meeting commenced with a video presentation on the hub, highlighting its journey and impacts as well as the emergence of the Tertiary Hubs for Innovation and Knowledge (THINK) Network and its initiatives.

Dr. Priscilla Otuo, the hub's Coordinator, provided an overview of the hub’s activities, emphasizing its mission to create a vibrant environment for incubating young talent and innovative ideas. She also informed the audience about the existence of a Tertiary Hubs for Innovation and Knowledge (THINK)Network, which consists of eleven Tertiary institutions. She concluded her presentation by declaring the hub's intention of aiding the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment in its implementation of the "Adumawura Project and the National Apprenticeship program. She also outlined the Hub's plan for the implementation of these projects in collaboration with the THINK network.

UGBS Nest Coordinator

After Dr. Otuo's Presentation, the Honorable Minister expressed admiration for the hub’s strategic plans and emphasized the importance of integrating youth from outside university settings into its programs. He highlighted that making the environment more accessible and user-friendly for non-students would further enhance the hub's role in national development.

Mr. Nii Doodo Dodoo, the Country Director for the British Council, also stressed the importance of connecting university students with local communities. He challenged the university to develop more inclusive spaces that welcome ideas and talents from outside the academic sphere.

Country Director for the British Council

To address the concern raised, Miss Sylvia Nyarko, the project lead at the hub informed the Honourable Minister of the Hub’s experience in working with rural entrepreneurs, highlighting the successful implementation of the RISA Bridging the Research Innovation Industry Assimilation Gap through Technology Capacity Building in Rural Ghana (BRIInG) project in seven rural communities across Ghana, which focuses mainly on rural innovation.

Group discussion

The event also featured inspiring presentations from some past incubates. Joseph Owiredu, CEO of Fihankra Comtech, presented on his innovative emergency training technology used in Kenya and Namibia, exemplifying how tech solutions can address real-world challenges. Judith Akwetey from AgriMercarb shared her journey of transforming agricultural waste into valuable products, highlighting the diverse sectors the hub influences.

CEO of Fihankra Comtech

Judith Akwetey -AgriMercarb rep

Professor Felix Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor (UG-RID) expressed enthusiasm about the potential for the university to serve as a hub of ideas and entrepreneurial activity, encouraging students and staff alike to spread the spirit of innovation beyond campus borders.

Pro Vice-Chancellor (UG-RID)

The event concluded with closing remarks from the Acting Dean of UGBS and a tour around the Hub. The visit underscored the vital role of the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub as a catalyst for youth empowerment, community development, and innovation-driven growth in Ghana.