InAD Hosts Delegation from University of Cologne for Strategic Innovation Exchange

September 30, 2025

The Institutional Advancement Directorate (InAD), in collaboration with the International Programmes Office (IPO), successfully hosted a delegation from the Gateway Excellence Start-Up Center (Gateway GSE) of the University of Cologne, Germany, for a two-day Knowledge Sharing Experience Visit on 8th and 9th September 2025. The visit marked a significant milestone in InAD’s ongoing efforts to strengthen global partnerships and promote innovation-led engagements across the University of Ghana.

The initiative stemmed from a strategic collaboration initiated in 2023 between InAD and the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) Office in Ghana, aimed at fostering cross-cultural and institutional learning. The visit provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on entrepreneurship, venture development, and best practices in innovation management.

The delegation from the University of Cologne led by Dr. Katja Yang, Director, International Affairs Office, was welcomed by the Dean of the International Programmes Office(IPO), Professor Jemima Anderson, and formally received by Professor. Abekah-Nkrumah, Acting Director of InAD, emphasised the importance of international collaboration in advancing the University’s innovation ecosystem and strategic priorities.

During the two-day visit, the delegation toured several key innovation hubs across campus, including:

  • The Postharvest Innovation Hub at the School of Agriculture, where the delegation interacted with the founder and entrepreneurs who shared the Hub’s journey and impact on agribusiness. The visit included a guided tour of locally developed postharvest technologies led by the Hub Manager.
  • The West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), an Africa Centre of Excellence for Agricultural Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
  • The University of Ghana Business School Innovation and Incubation Hub, which supports student-led startups and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
  • The designated site for the Digital Youth Village, a visionary initiative focused on digital empowerment and youth-led innovation.

The visit concluded with a final meeting hosted by Prof. Abekah-Nkrumah, providing a reflective moment to consolidate insights and explore future collaborative ventures.

InAD extends its appreciation to the delegation from the University of Cologne led by Dr. Katja (Director, International Affairs Office), Dr. Valerie Wolf (Deputy Executive Director, Gateway Exzellenz Start-up Center), Simon Graw (Start-Up Coach, Gateway Exzellenz Start-up Center), Dr. Georg Verweyen (Coordinator, Ghana-NRW University Alliance), and the entire delegation for the active participation and valuable contributions. Special thanks go to Dr. Beatrice Asenso Barnieh, Head of Ghana, Ghana-NRW University Alliance, for her pivotal role and to the dedicated teams at InAD, IPO, and the various innovation hubs for their coordination and support.

This visit reflects InAD’s commitment to the University of Ghana’s strategic focus on Engagements and Partnerships and Sustainable Resource Mobilisation and Stewardship, as it continues to build bridges for global innovation and transformative education.