The line between the classroom and newsroom has grown closer as Wisconsin International University College, Ghana (WIUC-Kumasi Campus) and Akoma FM, a subsidiary of Media General, signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote knowledge exchange, professional training, and mutual growth.
The signing ceremony, held on October 7 at the WIUC-Kumasi campus, brought together influential leaders from both institutions. WIUC’s delegation was led by Prof. Kofi Sraku-Lartey, Vice President and Head of Campus, alongside Mr Mamadou Lamine Diedhiou, Dean of the Business School, Mr Jonathan Tabiri Essel, Head of the School of Communication Studies, and Mr Emmanuel Fosu-Kwarteng, Assistant Registrar for Public Affairs and Marketing.
They were joined by faculty members Rosemary Lebene Sabakpo, Akua Konadu Dwomoh, Lawerence Amponsah Boadu, Charles Amo Poku, and Kelvin Odei Ansah-Asare.
The Akoma FM team was led by Station Manager Mr Ransford Nana Osei-Asare, supported by Deputy Manager Mr William Evans Nkum, Mr Eric Agyeman Duah, and Ms Gloria Anane.
Prof. Sraku-Lartey described the pact as a bold step to “place both institutions in the limelight” by blending academic instruction with professional media practice.
Mr. Osei-Asare pledged Akoma FM’s commitment to advancing what he termed “the Wisconsin agenda,” stressing that the station is eager to use its platform to amplify the University’s initiatives and provide practical learning opportunities for students.
Mr. Essel added that WIUC faculty are ready to provide intellectual and professional support to Media General, underscoring the value of merging theory with practice.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
The MOU outlines several collaborative initiatives:
Internships: Akoma FM will provide communication students with newsroom placements, mentorship, and exposure to live broadcasting.
Training: WIUC faculty will run periodic training programmes to sharpen the presentation and production skills of Akoma FM staff.
Partnership: Akoma FM will serve as official media partner for WIUC’s major events and activities.
Knowledge Exchange: WIUC lecturers will serve as guest experts on Akoma FM programmes, enriching broadcasts with academic insight.
A Partnership with Purpose
The agreement, signed earlier in July and officially launched this week, will run for one year with the option for renewal. Both parties hailed it as a model partnership which aims at bridging academia and industry, enhancing student learning, and strengthening media practice in Ghana.
With this pact, WIUC-Kumasi and Akoma FM are not just sharing a vision. They are building a future where education and media fuel each other’s growth, creating opportunities for students, professionals, and the wider public.
Credit: https://3news.com/wisconsin-international-university-college-and-akoma-fm-in-kumasi-forge-partnership
