MTN Ghana and the University of Ghana have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening digital skills, applied research and career pathways for students, while deepening collaboration between academia and industry.
The agreement was signed at the MTN Ghana Head Office in Accra on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. The ceremony also marked the formal launch of the MTN Ghana Tɛkyerɛma Pa Hackathon 2026, an innovation challenge focused on inclusive digital solutions for Ghanaian languages and persons with disabilities.
The engagement brought together MTN Ghana Chief Executive Officer Stephen Blewett, University of Ghana Vice-Chancellor Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, MTN Ghana Chief Digital Officer Ibrahim Misto, officials from the University’s Department of Computer Science and the Deputy Minister for Education, Hon. Dr Clement Abas Apaak, who represented Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu.
Under the MoU, students are expected to gain access to internships, National Service placements, industry visits, masterclasses and direct engagement with technology practitioners. The partnership also provides for guest lectures, digital and artificial-intelligence skills development, joint research, innovation challenges, hackathons and knowledge exchange.
Professor Amfo said the partnership reflects the University of Ghana’s commitment to a transformative student experience—one that tests education not only by the quality of lectures and degrees, but by how well graduates are prepared for a rapidly changing world of work.
| “These opportunities help our students connect what they know with what they can do. And increasingly, that is what employability demands.”
— Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ghana |
The Vice-Chancellor noted that artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud technologies and digital platforms are reshaping occupations and business models. She said the University is responding through compulsory modules in Digital Literacy and Applied Artificial Intelligence, alongside Gender, Equality, Disability and Inclusion, as part of its review of University of Ghana Required Courses.
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She argued that meaningful industry collaboration must go beyond corporate sponsorship. It should allow practitioners to contribute to teaching, turn real industry challenges into student projects and research questions, and give companies access to the University’s research expertise and youthful creativity.
Tɛkyerɛma Pa: technology designed to include
Tɛkyerɛma Pa—translated as “The Good Tongue”—was developed from a practical question: how can artificial intelligence and speech-recognition technologies reduce communication barriers for people with speech impairments while ensuring Ghanaian languages are represented in the digital tools of the future?
The initiative brings together computer science, linguistics, disability studies and direct engagement with intended users. The 2026 Hackathon challenges teams to develop solutions that are technically strong, locally relevant and accessible to persons with disabilities.
According to the official programme, the Hackathon attracted more than 2,500 applicants, with five teams progressing as finalists and 30 mentors supporting participants. Its impact tracks cover Accessibility and Personalisation, Fintech and Digital Services, and AI and Language Technologies. The programme runs from July to October, with post-Hackathon follow-up planned for November and December.
The top team will receive GH₵70,000, with GH₵20,000 and GH₵10,000 for second and third place respectively. Additional honours will recognise the Best Digital Experience Innovation, Best Financial Inclusion Solution, Best Female-Led Team and Best Agentic AI Solution.
Beyond the Hackathon, MTN Ghana will support annual Digital Excellence Awards for the Best Graduating Computer Science Student, Best Graduating Female Computer Science Student and Best Artificial Intelligence Graduating Project. Each recipient will receive a cash award and a laptop.
Professor Amfo described the award for the best female graduating student as an important signal that women belong and can excel in technology, while the AI project award
places value on originality, innovation and practical relevance.
Speaking on behalf of the Education Minister, Hon. Dr Apaak said the partnership delivers three direct interventions: targeted recognition of high-performing Computer Science students, applied problem-solving through the Hackathon, and stronger national digital competitiveness through practical AI and technical competencies.
| “The tools, devices and platforms provided here are catalysts. The responsibility now rests on you to build applications, algorithms and enterprises.”
— Hon. Dr Clement Abas Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education |
He described the partnership as the kind of industry-academia collaboration needed to strengthen STEM education, improve youth employability and prepare Ghana to compete in an increasingly technology-driven economy. The Ministry of Education, he added, supports similar models that align education with the skills, innovation and enterprise needs of the national economy.
