The son of Nana Opoku Ampomah, the founder of the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA), Eric Opoku Ampomah has said the then Institute was taken ‘cruelly’ from his father at ‘gunpoint’ in 1978.
Reacting to comments on social media when President Akufo-Addo announced the change of name of the UPSA to Nana Opoku Ampomah University of Professional Studies, Eric Opoku Ampomah expressed joy at the development, recounted how government took over the institute and his pride in his father.
“My brother he actually build (sic) and managed it from 1967 to 1978 when it was cruelly taken from him at gun point. He’s my Dad and am (sic) proud of him” the son wrote.
Mr Opoku Ampomah’s toils
There was a social media comment that gave an insight into how UPSA came to be, with many corroborating the account’s accuracy:
“For those of you condemning this idea (renaming UPSA) proves that you are too young to know the history of this school and for that matter Madina. IPS was solely founded by Nana Opoku Ampomah in the late 60s. I remember his grown up students beat him when he comes around to collect school fees. Sometimes he has to go with police escorts to collect his fees. He started IPS by Madina market, it was tough but he kept going” the person narrated.
“IPS was the ‘best ‘ professional school in town at the time. He went on to open JAKO Cinema, JAKO hotel and other ventures. He was a serious Entrepreneur. He was not alone. One Mr Wiafe also owned enterprises in Madina. To cut matters short, he may not have anglicised name but he is still Opoku Ampomah. There is no name to honour his hard work than one after his name. It is only jealousy that will make a reasonable man despise this long overdue enterprise.” The comment said.
Akufo-Addo okays new name
President Akufo-Addo over the weekend was the one who announced that government will soon rename the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) after its founder, Nana Opoku Ampomah, who was present at the occasion.
The special congregation was to confer an honorary doctorate degree on the Founder, Nana Opoku Ampomah and the CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad.
“As a sequel to the conferment of an honorary doctorate degree on the founder, I’m happy to announce also that the council of UPSA in accordance with the statutes of the university has taken the decision to rename the university after Nana Opoku Ampomah.” President Akufo-Addo said.
The President said it was an “excellent decision,” and that he has approved the name.
He encouraged Parliament to ratify it at the appropriate time.
