The University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) Laptop Library Initiative was launched on Thursday 30th November 2023 in a short ceremony at the R.S. Amegashie Auditorium. In presenting the purpose of the gathering, Prof. Justice N. Bawole, Dean of the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) indicated that the initiative was the first of its kind at the University of Ghana, aimed at providing digital learning assistance to students who need it. UGBS currently has two computer labs, one for undergraduate students and the other for graduate students. However, these labs are not mobile thereby making it difficult for students to access computers on the go. Additionally, he mentioned that the 1 Student 1 Laptop initiative despite the benefit of providing students with laptops for their entire period of study was somewhat lacking in terms of reach, hence, the introduction of the UGBS Laptop Library Initiative. 

Prof. Justice N. Bawole, Dean, University of Ghana Business School introducing the initiative.

The initiative will allow more students to access laptops for specified periods of time to assist them in their academic work.  The Dean indicated that the School has managed to acquire 50 laptops with an additional 50 laptops sourced by the Department of Accounting, adding up to 100 laptops in total, which will come with UGBS-branded laptop bags. The Dean explained that the laptop borrowing process is relatively simple, starting with the filling of an online form, followed by  verification of the borrower’s studentship by the staff of the IT department. The Dean stated that only wholesome laptops will be given out to borrowers, who are expected to return them in the same pristine condition. A failure to do this will result in offending borrowers being asked to replace the laptops that they damage or misplace.

Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost, College of Humanities and Prof. Justice N. Bawole, Dean, University of Ghana Business School showcasing the UGBS branded laptop bags.

The Provost of the College of Humanities, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, in his remarks, applauded the leadership of the Business School for instituting such a fantastic initiative and hoped that students would adhere to the terms and conditions of the initiative to ensure its continuity after the pilot launch. The Provost was of the firm belief that the initiative would help to tackle digital poverty to some extent and encouraged students to maximise the academic use of the laptops when they receive them. 

                                Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost, College of Humanities giving his remarks.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Bawole thanked the IT unit for their stellar efforts and added that for the purposes of security, the laptops had been fitted with a tracking feature and would shut down immediately if students navigate unauthorised websites. Mr. Yaw Yeboah Tsen, Assistant Registrar (Human Resources), then delivered the Vote of Thanks. Present at the event were Prof. Ernest Yaw Tweneboah-Kodua, Acting Head, Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship; Prof. William Coffie, Head, Department of Accounting and Prof. Obi Berko Damoah, Head, Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management. Members of the press from Ghana Television (GTV) and Joy Business were also present. Mr. Emmanuel Poku-Sarkodie, School Administrator, UGBS served as the MC for the event.

                                                            A cross-section of participants at the event.