The GCTU Alumni Association has held its maiden Homecoming Dinner and Excellence Awards Night on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Sun lodge Hotel in Accra
Held under the theme “Celebrating Legacy, Embracing the Future of Technology,” the evening was not only a nostalgic reunion for former students, but also a strategic networking and fundraising platform aimed at supporting the construction of a cutting-edge laboratory. This lab will serve the University’s Faculties of Engineering, and Computing and Information Systems, with a special focus on cybersecurity training and digital innovation.
Recognizing Excellence in Tech and Digital Innovation
The night featured the presentation of awards to distinguished alumni in three categories – Platinum, Gold and Silver – for their exceptional achievements in the ICT and digital technology space. Several notable alumni who had transitioned from lecture halls to leadership roles in government, industry and innovation hubs were celebrated.
Special citations were presented to individuals whose leadership and advocacy had significantly shaped the GCTU Alumni Association. These included the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa; the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo; and the University Relations Directorate, led by Dr. Nusrat-Jahan Abubakar.
Keynote Address by Acting CEO of Ghana Digital Centres
The Special Guest of Honour and Acting CEO of the Ghana Digital Centres, Mr. Dzifa Gunu, delivered an inspiring keynote address, applauding GCTU’s legacy in producing tech talents and its growing influence in the national innovation agenda.
“GCTU alumni have moved from classrooms to boardrooms, from project teams to world-class innovations,” Mr. Gunu said. “You are the torchbearers of Ghana’s digital promise. Let this Association not only be a space for nostalgia, but a platform for collaboration and innovation.”
He emphasized the importance of embracing the future of technology, citing efforts by the Ghana Digital Centres to create a robust innovation ecosystem to position the country for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Leadership and Vision from Alumni and University
The Dean of Graduate Programmes, Chair of the event and a key figure in the University’s development, Prof. Ebenezer Malcalm, reiterated the vital role of alumni in shaping the institution’s future. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Malcalm advocated unity among the alumni leadership and emphasized the strategic importance of the proposed lab project.
“The VC’s vision is to make GCTU a tech-savvy institution akin to Silicon Valley. That’s why this lab project matters,” he stressed.
The President of the GCTU Alumni Association, Ms. Magdalene Lamptey welcomed attendees and reminded them of the purpose behind the evening. “We are here not just to celebrate, but to contribute – little drops of water towards a big dream,” she said.
Government Commitment and Industry Support
The Director of Digital Technology and Innovation at the Ministry of Communications, Dr. Samuel Antwi-Gyekyi, represented the Minister, Hon. Samuel Nartey George. On behalf of the Minister, he presented a GHS 20,000 donation he pledged at the launch of the week-long celebration and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the alumni-led project through key stakeholder engagement with firms such as Huawei and MTN. “As an alumnus myself, I will ensure this project comes to fruition,” Dr. Antwi-Gyekyi declared.
On-the-Spot Fundraising Boosts Project Momentum
One of the highlights of the evening was an on-the-spot fundraising session that generated a wave of support from the alumni. Several former students pledged various sums of money ranging from GH 300.00 to GHS 20,000.00 towards the construction of the cyber lab, with some immediately redeeming their contributions on the spot.
This enthusiastic show of support demonstrated the alumni’s dedication to giving back to their alma mater and driving the institution’s technological advancement.
The evening was filled with entertainment, culinary delights, networking and heartfelt speeches. The closing remarks, again delivered by Prof. Malcalm, celebrated the hard work of the organizing committee, including Dr. Esther Asiedu and her team and called on all alumni to honour their pledges to support the lab project.
“Let’s match the rising student numbers with the right infrastructure,” he said. “And now, let’s dance and celebrate!”
The event served as the climax to a week-long homecoming celebration and brought together alumni, faculty, University leadership, and dignitaries from across the digital and technology ecosystem.
