UG Management and guests

The University of Ghana hosted Sadiq Khan, Major of London at a landmark  event organized by Imperial Global to explore  global partnerships  for transforming ideas into impact through science, technology, and enterprise.

Transforming Education: The Vice Chancellor’s Vision for Innovation

The event was opened by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, who set the tone with a compelling call to reimagine higher education as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and national development. She  contented that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) remain the backbone of Ghana’s economy, accounting for about 70% of GDP, a statistic that reflects the urgency to equip graduates with entrepreneurial skills..

Professor Amfo emphasized the university’s strategic focus on delivering a transformative student experience, one that extends beyond academic theory to cultivate innovation, leadership, and real-world problem-solving. She celebrated the evolving partnership with Imperial College London, describing it as a model for what ‘is possible when institutions collaborate with trust and vision’.

Citing the Student Venture Support Programme (SVSP) launched in 2022 in partnership with Imperial and Impact Hub Accra. Now spanning four Ghanaian universities, the SVSP has supported over 400 students and 115 startups, providing mentorship, funding, and capacity-building. Professor Amfo also noted successful founder exchange visits between Ghana and the UK, and the recent participation of UG in the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Programme, positioning Ghanaian entrepreneurs on a global stage.

“With over 75,000 students—17,000 of whom are new entrants—we have a responsibility and an opportunity to cultivate a generation of innovators,” she said. “At least 10% of our students should engage in entrepreneurial programs like SVSP. This is how we shape job creators, not just job seekers.”

 A Message of Partnership: Mayor Khan’s Call for Shared Progress

Delivering the keynote address, Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, offered a deeply personal and hopeful message, affirming London's commitment to genuine partnership with Africa. He began with a warm “Etisεn?” (how are you?), delighting the audience, before expressing his gratitude to the University of Ghana for hosting him.

He recounted the story of Dr. Lakita Obed, the first Ghanaian woman to earn a PhD in science in the UK. Her research on the black fly that causes river blindness and her return to apply it in Ghana, he said, epitomized how education and innovation can serve humanity. “She faced bigotry and barriers in the 1960s,” he noted. “But today, London proudly celebrates the contributions of people like her. It’s hard to imagine our city without them.”

Mayor Khan also shared reflections on his own background as the son of immigrants from Pakistan. “My parents built their lives in the shadows. Today, I stand here as Mayor of one of the greatest cities in the world. That’s the promise of London—we thrive on diversity, opportunity, and second chances.”

He emphasized that London wants to be part of Ghana’s story—not as a benefactor, but as a partner focused on shared values and mutual benefit. Speaking on the controversial topic of immigration, he strongly defended the value of international students: “There are those who think we should close our doors. I disagree. International students contribute tens of billions to our economy and enrich every corner of our society. Closing our doors would be self-inflicted harm.”He highlighted education as a critical pillar for urban and national growth.

He concluded by reminding the audience that collaboration isn’t just about trade or money, but about people, ideas, and respect. “We don’t have to wait for the world to come to London—we’re bringing London to the world,” he said, quoting Dr. Kwame Nkrumah as he ended: “Forward ever, backward never. I know we are safe in your hands.”

Following his keynote, Mayor Khan took part in a lively conversation hosted by Shirley Laryea, Senior Trade Services Manager at the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce and an alumna of Imperial College Business School, along with a co-host Luther Jesse Quarshie, CEO and founder of AgriMercarb. Together, they engaged the Mayor on the significance of this first-ever visit by a London Mayor to West Africa.

Mayor Khan reflected on his morning visit to Osu Castle, describing it as a sobering reminder of a painful shared past—but also a powerful reason to build a better future. He spoke with admiration about the young entrepreneurs he met at the exhibition, saying they were “ambitious, persuasive, and absolutely serious about changing the world.”

He noted that equitable partnerships—rooted in mutual respect rather than exploitation—are essential for solving global challenges. Cities like London and Accra, he argued, thrive when they share knowledge, talent, and creativity.

Showcasing the Future: Student Startups Leading the Way

One of the most anticipated parts of the day was the startup exhibition, where the Mayor interacted with a number of student-led ventures supported by the Student Venture Support Programme (SVSP). These businesses, showcased practical innovations across agriculture, sustainability, health, food systems, and technology. Ventures on display included:

• Up Crafts – Handcrafted accessories and decor made from repurposed plastic and waste materials.
• Firefly io - locally crafted robotics kits and hands-on STEAM education
• MCHAN Cosmetics Ltd. – Science-backed cosmetic products using organic Ghanaian botanicals.
• Agrimercarb – Waste-to-value startup producing organic fertilizer and protein feed from black soldier flies.
• Prifrimps Food – Sustainable aquaculture and seafood processing venture.
• Eastern Freshuara – Distributor of fresh, organic farm produce targeting urban markets.
• Smart Farms – Agri-tech solutions using sensors and data to increase farm productivity.
• Fihankra Comtech LLC – Developing mobile and desktop apps for small business operations.
• Feathery Care – Natural self-care products with eco-conscious packaging.
• Toudeka’s Enterprise – Eco-packaging business replacing plastics with biodegradable options.
• Wobil Technologies – Creators of smart home and energy monitoring tools.
•  Efie Delight – Healthy local snacks made from indigenous ingredients with zero additives.
• Abukay – Sustainable fashion label promoting ethical production and local textile heritage.

The exhibition underscored the real-world impact of student entrepreneurship and how early support systems like SVSP are turning promising ideas into scalable businesses.

The day’s activities reinforced the growing significance of Imperial Global Ghana’s efforts to build bridges between the UK and West Africa—supporting research, education, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

In attendance were Senior Management of the University' including Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research Innovation and Development, Prof. Samuel Cudjoe, Provost, College of Education, Prof. Joseph Yaro, Provost, College of Humanities, Prof. Sandow Yidana, Provost, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Prof. David Dodoo-Arhin, Director (Research and Innovation Directorate), together with students and staff of the University.