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TAMK International

Strengthening Educational Bridges Between Finland and Ghana: TAMK Launches New Collaboration Initiative

— simo.vainionpaa@tuni.fi
Meeting with TTU representatives
Meeting with TTU representatives

Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) has taken a significant step toward deepening its international partnerships in Africa through a new collaboration initiative with three Ghanaian higher education institutions: the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Takoradi Technical University (TTU), and the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).

This initiative aims to foster cooperation in teacher education, sustainability, research, and digital pedagogy, while laying the groundwork for future staff and student exchanges.

A Vision for Collaborative Learning

Led by Emmanuel Abruquah (TAMK), Senior Lecturer at TAMK, the Ghana Collaboration Initiative connects Finnish and Ghanaian expertise in applied sciences and vocational education. The collaboration is rooted in shared values: sustainable education, innovation, and inclusion.

“Our goal is to build partnerships that are not only academic but also transformative — creating opportunities for shared learning and meaningful impact,” says Abruquah.

TAMK team presenting
TAMK team presenting

First Virtual Meetings

The first virtual meetings took place in October 2025 with Takoradi Technical University (TTU) and the University of Cape Coast (UCC). Each session introduced the institutions’ areas of expertise and explored potential collaboration themes such as joint research, curriculum development, staff mobility, and future student exchange.

From TAMK’s side, presentations were delivered by Dr Syed Mubaraz (International Business Programme) and Dr Marja Rissanen (Textile and Material Engineering – TEMA), with coordination support from Krista Merikoski and Anna Tuusa, International Planning Officers.

UCC meeting
UCC meeting

Why Ghana?

Ghana’s higher education system has undergone rapid transformation in recent years, with a growing focus on technical and teacher education. These shared priorities make collaboration between Finnish and Ghanaian universities a natural fit, aligning closely with TAMK’s strategic emphasis on internationalisation and sustainable development.

The initiative also contributes to TAMK’s broader mission under the global education framework, linking applied learning with social impact and cross-cultural collaboration.

Looking Ahead

The next phase of the Ghana Collaboration Initiative involves drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guide future cooperation. Both sides envision practical outcomes such as joint research projects, exchange programmes, and capacity-building initiatives in circular economy, entrepreneurship, and digital learning.

“It’s about creating spaces where educators and students from different cultures can learn from each other — and together shape more inclusive and sustainable futures,” Abruquah adds.

A Step Forward

This initiative highlights TAMK’s commitment to fostering global learning partnerships that promote sustainability, equality, and innovation across continents. By connecting educators and students from Finland and Ghana, TAMK continues to demonstrate how meaningful collaboration can drive real change in education and society.

 

Written by: Nana Abruquah, Senior Lecturer, TAMK

 

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