Kojo Yankah, the founder of the African University College of Communications (AUCC), now known as the African University of Communications & Business (AUCB), has urged Ghana’s Ministry of Education to initiate policies that will place greater emphasis on African-centered education in schools to help promote Africa and its rich heritage.
The educationist and Pan-Africanist, Kojo Yankah, stressed that Africa’s development will be faster if its education is rooted in its history, identity, culture, and heritage.
“We need to ground our development in our lost heritage and achievements. We should deepen our research-based orientation and make it a critical part of our mission going forward,” he said.
Kojo Yankah made these comments during a media briefing at the launch and renaming ceremony of the institution, which started as the African Institute of Journalism (AIJC) in 2002, was accredited in 2004 as the African University College of Communications (AUCC), and is now rebranded as the African University of Communications & Business (AUCB).
He also revealed that the management of AUCB is charged to focus on more African-centered programs that will promote African unity and pride not only in Ghana but across other African nations.
Yankah expressed his deepest gratitude to the university’s management and staff for their unwavering effort to earn a charter for the institution. “We’ve come a long way, navigating through rough and challenging terrains, sometimes wondering if this pioneering venture should continue. But we prevailed, overcoming numerous hurdles and bottlenecks along the way,” he said, adding . “We are proud of the thousands of African students who have passed through our doors and are making an impact in their professional careers.”
He also took a moment to acknowledge the sacrifices made by his family. “On behalf of my family, who have stood by me through countless periods of toil and sacrifice, I am here today to thank all the management, academic, and non-academic staff who have been with us since 2002. I owe a special word of thanks to the Abeku Blankson team, whose dedication played a key role in earning the institution its full-fledged charter status.”
Looking ahead, Yankah noted that the third phase of the institution’s journey has just begun, and it could prove to be the most challenging yet.
“It demands more creativity, innovation, and ingenuity. AUCB should focus on courses and programs that will help transform Ghana and Africa, liberating minds and attitudes for the advancement of society. Our courses should be Afrocentric, liberating, and aligned with our motto: ‘Discover Yourself From Here.’
