11 June 2026
BTH Strengthens Strategic Partnerships in Ghana
A delegation from Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH) recently visited two key academic partners in Ghana—Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Cape Coast—to advance and operationalize collaboration agreements signed in 2025.
The BTH delegation was led by Professor Martin Andersson, Dean of Engineering. He was accompanied by Professor Niklas Lavesson, Country Director for Ghana and Tanzania and Gurudutt Velpula, International Director. Professor Lavesson initiated and developed these partnerships in coordination with Velpula in 2023 as part of BTH’s strategic engagement in Africa.
During the visit, the BTH delegation emphasized BTH’s commitment to building responsible and impactful international partnerships focused on education, research, innovation, and mobility. Discussions centered on expanding collaboration through joint programs, staff and student mobility, international research projects, and teaching cooperation. BTH also proposed establishing a framework for Ghana–Sweden Education and Research Cooperation.
– BTH’s international work is based on mutuality, quality, and long-term commitment. The collaborations with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) are strong examples of how international partnerships can contribute to global competence, innovation, and sustainable societal development, while also creating mutual benefits for both Sweden and Ghana, says Gurudutt Velupula, International Advisor at BTH.
– It is very encouraging to see how the partnerships initiated in 2023 are now entering a more concrete phase. Together with our partners in Ghana, we can create new opportunities for student and staff mobility, joint research and educational programmes that meet important needs in both Ghana and Sweden, says Niklas Lavesson, professor and country representative for Ghana and Tanzania at BTH.
The visit marks an important step in BTH’s growing engagement in Africa and reflects the university’s ambition to build long-term partnerships that contribute to educational excellence, research collaboration, innovation, and sustainable societal development.
– The visit to Ghana highlights how important it is to build long-term academic partnerships that bring together education, research and innovation. Through our partnerships with KNUST and UCC, we see great opportunities to develop joint programmes and research initiatives that will benefit students, academia and society alike, says Martin Andersson, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.
At KNUST, the delegation was hosted by Professor Kwadwo Mensah-Darkwa, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering. Meetings included representatives from the Departments of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering, who discussed future collaboration opportunities.
The delegation also met with Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, Provost of the College of Engineering, and Professor Augustina Angelina Sylverken, Vice-Dean of the International Programmes Office, to discuss the implementation of the signed Memorandum of Understanding. The visit featured tours of the Dipper Lab and the College of Engineering Innovation Centre, where students showcased innovative technology projects.
Key Outcomes at KNUST
- Both institutions agreed to pursue collaborative research proposals in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, and explore funding opportunities.
- BTH and KNUST discussed the establishment of a 2+2 joint undergraduate degree program in Software Engineering, AI and Mechanical Engineering. Under this model, students would complete the first two years at KNUST and the final two years at BTH in Sweden, resulting in a double degree. The possibility of developing a joint master’s program relevant to industries and society in Ghana and Sweden was also explored. The proposed programs aim to strengthen academic integration, enhance international learning experiences, and prepare graduates for global careers.
- KNUST students are expected to visit BTH soon as a pilot initiative.
- To explore opportunities to organize joint conferences and workshops in areas of mutual interest.
University of Cape Coast (UCC), Cape Coast
BTH delegation visited UCC and had discussions with two faculties, College of Agriculture and Natural Science (CANS), comprising the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology (DCSIT) and the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Development (CECED).
The meeting at CANS - DCSIT was hosted by Dr. Charles Roland Haruna, Prof Rofela Combey - the Provost of CANS, Dr. (Mrs.) Alimatu-Saadia Yussiff - the head of DCSIT and Prof. Paul Agu Asare - the Vice-Dean of the School of Agriculture. Faculty members from CANS - DSCIT : Dr. Regina Esi Turkson, Dr. Maame G. Asante Mensah, Mr. Elliot Attipoe, Mr. Isaac Armah-Mensah and Ms. Linda Otoo participated in the discussion with the Swedish team.
The meeting at CECED was hosted by Dr. Charles Hackman Essel, the proceedings were led by Professor Mavis Serwah Benneh, Director of the center. Prof. Rosemond Boohene, former Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Innocent Senyo Kwasi Acquah, Vice- Dean of School of Business; Dr Edward Nii Amar Amarteifio, Director of the Design Thinking and Innovation Hub,Dr. Enoch Mensah-Williams and Mr. Richmond Asumadu participated.
Key Outcomes at UCC
- Discussions focused on opportunities for research collaboration in Software Engineering, Business and Entrepreneurship.
- Both institutions agreed to explore the development of joint bachelor’s and master’s programs in Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Industrial Economics.
- An action plan was initiated to seek external funding to support student mobility and staff exchanges.
UCC: https://news.ucc.edu.gh/ucc-hosts-swedish-delegation-00Hd