The Executive Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, Mr. Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan, has called for stronger collaboration between industry and academia as Accra Technical University (ATU) formally invested Professor Amevi Acakpovi as its second substantive Vice-Chancellor.

Speaking at the investiture ceremony, on January 15, 2026, at the University’s ceremonial grounds, McDan said universities, especially technical universities, have a key role to play in preparing students not just for certificates, but for real work and business life. He noted that leading a university comes with responsibility and service, and encouraged the new Vice-Chancellor to lead with humility, kindness, and a clear sense of purpose.

McDan, who is a well-known Ghanaian businessman and founder of the McDan Group with interests in logistics, aviation, construction, and trade, said the country needs universities that are innovative and closely linked to industry. According to him, leadership positions are temporary, but the impact made through service and results will last.

He stressed the need for practical training, proposing a model where students spend fewer years in the classroom and more time gaining hands-on experience in industry before graduating. He explained that technical universities are well placed to produce entrepreneurs, adding that students should leave school ready to create jobs, not only to look for them.

McDan further encouraged ATU to deepen its partnerships with private sector players and focus on research that can solve real problems. He assured the University of the readiness of the McDan Group to work with ATU by offering industry exposure, practical knowledge, and opportunities that connect classroom learning to the world of work.

He congratulated Professor Acakpovi on his investiture and expressed confidence that under his leadership, ATU would grow into a centre of excellence that produces graduates who contribute meaningfully to national development.