Dr. Bright Mawudor, the Dean of the Business School at Wisconsin International University College, Ghana, along with faculty members and a student, visited the Graphic Communication Group Ltd in Accra. The purpose of their visit was to glean insights from industry practices to enhance classroom teaching. Dr. Mawudor, who has prioritized industry engagement since assuming office, seeks to equip students with practical skills for employment and job creation.
The team from the Business School was received by the Editor at Graphic, Mr. Theophilus Yartey, and other management members including the News Editor, Samuel Doe Ablordeppey, Regional Editor, Eddy Smith Asante, Digital Services Manager, Francis Osabutey, and the Deputy Editor, Graphic Business Charles Benoni Okine who highlighted the Group’s operations and procedure explaining the independence of the Group from government funding even though it continues to be under the supervision of various agencies and ministries, an assertion which came as a surprise to some of the team members who presumed government provides financial backing to the group.
The delegation engaged in discussions with various editors and managers, addressing topics such as sustainability and digital strategies. On the question of paper waste as a subject matter, the Editor’s initial response was that the paper used in production was biodegradable, and therefore didn’t pose any environmental hazard. He added that in addition, the Safety Health Environmental and Quality (SHEQ) unit has been set up to address issues of environmental hazards and other safety concerns.
On the question of the plans the Group has in terms of the digital space, the Digital Services Manager informed the team of Graphic Newsplus, which is the digital side of the group. He said the solution is a mobile application accessible on smartphones to subscribe to all the news handles of the group including Daily Graphic, The Mirror, Graphic Business, etc at a cheaper cost than the hardcopy. He added that, these notwithstanding the group is aware of the opportunities in the digital space and is gearing up to take full advantage of it.
Collaboration opportunities, including faculty subscriptions to Graphic Newsplus and participation in events, were explored. The Group plans to sell shares to invest in digital infrastructure, among other initiatives.
Dr. Mawudor expressed gratitude for the valuable insights gained and intends to integrate them into the curriculum. The visiting team comprised Dr. Elias Megbetor, Dr. Enyonam Motey-Amponsah, Dr. Aidatu Abubakari, Prof. K. A. Osei, Ms. Mavis Selorm Afewu, and Joseph Ortaa.
