ACCESS International Summer School Ghana 2022
Title: "The Future of Work – A Focus on Employability Skills Development"
Date: 16th - 20th May 2022
Venue: Peninsula Resort, Akosombo; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
Summary
The 2nd ACCESS International Summer School 2022 was organised in Ghana and hosted by Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The event took place from 16 to 20 May 2022. The main participants were representatives of the seven partner universities of the ACCESS project, including board members, project coordinators, lecturers, and PhD students. The summer school’s primary focus was on “The Future of Work: A Focus on Employability Skills Development” emphasising the importance of digital skills, soft skills, and the need for a collaborative approach between universities and industry to enhance employability.
The summer school opened with a ceremony at the conference hall of The Peninsula Resort in Akosombo, featuring dignitaries such as the Akwamuhene, the German Ambassador, and prominent Ghanaian educational leaders. The event included workshops and panel discussions that covered employability skills, the role of educators, and industry collaboration. Notable speakers like Mr. Coby Asmah (CEO of TYPE Company Ltd.) and Ms. Vanessa Mbamarah (Google Partner and Trainer) shared valuable insights on industry expectations and personal branding. The summer school later transitioned to the KNUST campus in Kumasi for the final sessions.
The summer school adopted an educational and fun approach, emphasising experiential learning through group and self-directed activities. This method allowed participants to explore new ideas, cultures, people, and industries. Participants received training on the ACCESS Wiki and its integration into teaching and learning at their universities. The training approach used in partner universities mirrors the summer school’s methods, facilitating the transfer of skills and knowledge through workshops, seminars, and conferences. This has led to the development of strategy documents, competencies, and skills among lecturers, as well as the use of digital tools like the skills development toolkit and e-coaching concept. The inclusion of private sector engagement in most sessions enabled deeper discussions on “employability skills for the future.” Tours and visits to private sector companies and cultural sites in Ghana enriched the learning experience.
The summer school saw an impressive turnout with over 900 participants. The event trained 50 lecturers and was attended by representatives from various sectors including business, public sector, civil society, and students. The attendance varied daily, with the highest on the panel discussion day at KNUST, which drew 412 attendees. The ACCESS International Summer School 2022 concluded with several key recommendations. These include enhancing collaboration between universities and industry and incorporating more interactive and group discussion sessions.
The ACCESS International Summer School 2022 in Ghana was funded by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) under the EXCEED Initiative with financial support from the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). In addition, the event was supported by other organisations, including significant contributions from local and international sponsors. KNUST provided venues and logistical support, enhancing the programme’s success. The summer school received considerable publicity through media engagements before, during, and after the event. Coverage was provided by major radio stations and online platforms, including the KNUST website and partner university websites. Social media channels were also used to disseminate information about ACCESS and its activities.