The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has said that Ghana is not just a consumer of technology, but a producer of cutting-edge digital solutions.
The Minister made the powerful statement at the launch of the GCTU Alumni Association’s Homecoming celebrations on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the University’s main campus in Tesano, Accra, as he set the tone for a memorable occasion.
“We can no longer afford to be passive participants in the fourth industrial revolution,” he said. “Together, we can build a Ghana that is not just the consumer of technology, but the producer of cutting-edge digital solutions.”
The Minister’s address also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating GCTU into national digital initiatives, including the One Million Coders programme, promising that “you will not be left out.”
Chairing the event on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, the Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Malcalm, welcomed the guests and praised the growing influence of GCTU as a public university with global partnerships and over 10,000 students across multiple campuses. He reiterated the institution’s readiness to support national programmes and called on the Ministry to include GCTU in initiatives such as Huawei’s tertiary ICT training and other capacity-building schemes.
In her address, the President of the GCTU Alumni Association, Ms. Magdalene Lamptey, delivered an impassioned State of the Alumni Association report, reflecting on a year of significant progress and renewed commitment.
“This gathering is not just a celebration – It is a moment to reflect on how far we have come as an alumni body and how much further we intend to go,” she said. Ms. Lamptey recounted key milestones, including the maiden alumni elections in April 2024, the official registration of the Association, the unveiling of a new logo and the establishment of a dedicated bank account to ensure financial transparency.
She also outlined impactful initiatives such as the annual awards scheme for top graduating students and an ongoing flagship project – the development of a modern Engineering and IT Laboratory to provide practical training and enhance student learning.
“We urge all alumni, near and far, to come on board and support this noble cause,” Ms. Lamptey appealed, emphasising the Association’s vision to give back meaningfully and position GCTU at the forefront of science and technology education.
However, she was candid about existing challenges: “We must also acknowledge the low participation of members and inconsistent commitment from some executives. These are areas we must all work together to improve upon, because the strength of any association lies in the active involvement of its members.”
The Association, she added, has submitted proposals to the Ministry for inclusion in the One Million Coders programme and other ICT-focused collaborations to help position GCTU as a hub for digital transformation.
“Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and build a legacy that generations will be proud of,” she concluded.
The Minister made a personal donation of GHS 20,000, which was warmly received, alongside a GHS 10,000 donation by Ing. Mark Amoamah, Foundation President of the GCTU Alumni Association. Hon. George was later honoured with a citation from the Association for his role in Ghana’s digitisation and digitalisation efforts.
The launch marked the beginning of a week-long celebration aimed at reconnecting alumni with their alma mater, strengthening ties with current students and faculty and mobilising support for institutional development. The event brought together a diverse audience of alumni, students, faculty, staff and key figures from industry and government. It also served as a platform for networking and fundraising to support ongoing development projects.
The Homecoming Week continues through Saturday, May 10, culminating in a Dinner and Excellence Awards Night, where outstanding alumni and contributors to the University’s progress will be celebrated.
