ACCA, KNUST launch leadership academy to groom next generation of leaders

By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), in collaboration with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the B&FT, has launched the first cohort of a leadership academy aimed at developing a new generation of leaders to drive the country’s economic transformation.

The inaugural cohort comprises 52 students selected from across 16 colleges within the university, following a rigorous process that prioritises academic excellence and leadership potential.

The training programme would be both rigorous and holistic, equipping participants with the skills, mindset and exposure required to navigate complex leadership challenges and contribute to national development.

Speaking at the launch in Kumasi, ACCA Cluster Head for West and Central Africa, Norman Williams, described the initiative as a strategic extension of ACCA’s legacy of building professional capacity across the region.

He noted that the leadership academy comes at a critical time in the country’s economic journey, characterised by fiscal constraints, youth unemployment, the need for industrial expansion and the urgency of building resilient institutions.

Mr. Williams added that the growing digital economy, expanding financial services sector and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem signal a country on the point of transformation, but cautioned that these opportunities require the right kind of leadership to be fully realised.

According to him, the partnership between ACCA and KNUST is both deliberate and consequential, as it bridges the gap between academic theory and professional practice while aligning local relevance with global standards.

“Ghana does not merely need more graduates. It needs leaders who can think critically, act ethically, manage complexity and compete globally. This is the gap the Leadership Academy is designed to fill,” he emphasised.

While KNUST provides academic rigour and contextual depth, ACCA contributes an internationally recognised framework of professional competence, ethical discipline and governance standards, thereby creating a leadership pipeline that is both locally grounded and globally competitive.

Beyond its conceptual framework, Mr. Williams said the academy would offer structured access to industry experts, experienced practitioners and distinguished ACCA Fellows to expose students to real-world complexities.

He highlighted a key feature of the programme – a guaranteed ACCA internship pathway – describing it as critical in a labour market where practical experience significantly influences employability.

“It offers students the opportunity to engage directly with industry, build professional networks and develop competencies aligned with employer expectations in Ghana and beyond,” he noted.

On his part, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. David Asamoah, urged the selected students to view the opportunity as a call to service.

“The investment being made in you comes with an expectation – that you will use these skills to serve. You must become leaders who are not driven by the spotlight, but by the desire to solve problems and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development agenda,” he said.

He assured stakeholders of the university’s full support for the initiative, expressing confidence that its success would serve as a model for other colleges and institutions.

Similarly, the Provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Charles Marfo, underscored the need for purposeful leadership.

He noted that leadership should not be defined merely by titles and positions, but by resilience, purpose and the ability to drive transformation.

“Our development agenda rests not only on resources but on the quality of people we place in critical positions. The future belongs to those who can think critically and lead; which is precisely what we aim to cultivate,” he said.

Also addressing the students via a virtual platform, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of B&FT, Dr. Godwin Acquaye, urged them to take full advantage of the opportunity, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), and to focus on developing skills that cannot be replicated by AI.

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