The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) is set to introduce new academic programmes that will combine Law and other Business disciplines.

Under the new programmes, students can pursue both Law and any other specialised business programmes or management sciences, and graduate with a degree in both.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Professor Charles Barnor, made these known at the inauguration of two Centres of Excellence at the University on Wednesday, February 19, 2020.

Professor Charles Barnor

The two, Centre for Practical and Multi-disciplinary Legal Education and Training (CPMLET), and the Centre for Peace and Security Research (CPSR), according to the Pro-VC, forms part of the University’s vision to inspire professionalism, leadership, research and advocacy in the various disciplines of study.

“UPSA has always responded to the sophistication and trends in industry and this has provided cutting-edge academic programmes which have received high demands over the years,” he said.

Prof. Barnor said the CPMLET has, therefore, been tasked to design academic programmes for accreditation that will combine Law and management sciences with business specialisation with focus on industry trends and demands.

International Jurist and Legal Consultant, Justice Julia Sarkodie-Mensah, who chaired the event, commended the Management of the University for being the pacesetters in churning out innovative academic programmes which address the needs of society.

The renowned Judge said the ‘novel’ combination of law and other disciplines was going to change the legal education landscape in Ghana by making it appropriate and relevant for the 21st-century student. 

Justice Julia Sarkodie-Mensah

She explained that the multi-disciplinary approach to legal education by UPSA will enable law students to develop their knowledge, insight and problem-solving skills while building their confidence when they delve into other areas.

“Pursuing a law degree with another discipline like business and finance and with a practical approach as it is anticipated, prepares law graduates for the world out there,” she said. “It enables them to deepen their legal knowledge without sacrificing other interests.”

The event was attended by some high profile personalities including the two Deputy Ministers of Justice and Attorney General, Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame and Mr Joseph Dindiok Kpemka. 

Some Members of Parliament and representatives from sister universities, security agencies, the National Peace Council and the Ghana Integrity Initiative were also in attendance.