Accra: The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has inaugurated a Transport and Logistics Centre to strengthen professional training, applied research, policy development, and industry collaboration to boost Ghana's transport and logistics sector. The Centre, named after Dr. Joseph Kweku Horgle, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Horgle Transport and Logistics, is expected to serve as a hub for executive education, professional certification, industry-focused research, and policy engagement, while bridging the gap between academia, government, and industry.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Centre will also undertake research to improve transport systems, develop supply chain solutions, promote sustainable logistics, and prepare professionals to meet the demands and opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Speaking at the inauguration in Accra, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, Vice Chancellor of UPSA, said the establishment of the Centre was a response to a long-standing national need to professionalise Ghana's transport and logistics workforce.
Prof. Mawutor emphasized that the Centre would help close the gap between academia and industry by generating research, developing supply chain literature, and producing professionals capable of addressing emerging challenges within the sector. He highlighted Ghana's strategic positioning to become the logistics hub of West Africa, citing the country's hosting of the AfCFTA Secretariat and increasing cargo volumes at the Tema and Takoradi ports. He also commended Dr. Horgle for funding the Centre's research activities and supporting its establishment.
Furthermore, Prof. Mawutor announced plans to introduce practical driving training for UPSA students through an existing collaboration with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), enabling interested students to acquire driving skills before graduation. He encouraged students to explore career opportunities in agricultural logistics, warehousing, freight forwarding, logistics technology, fleet management, and green logistics.
Mrs. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, Deputy Minister of Transport, described the Centre as a significant step towards addressing critical gaps in transport planning, logistics management, and policy implementation. She identified skills shortages, inadequate industry data, and weak collaboration among academia, government, and industry as key challenges facing Ghana's transport sector. Mrs. Affo-Toffey emphasized that the Ministry of Transport views the Centre as a strategic partner and expects it to become a leading institution for professional training, evidence-based research, policy support, and industry partnerships.
Mrs. Affo-Toffey urged the Centre to prioritize digital transformation, artificial intelligence, GPS-enabled fleet management, predictive maintenance, and environmentally sustainable transport solutions in its teaching and research. She also called on transport companies, petroleum marketing firms, development partners, and financial institutions to support the Centre through internships, scholarships, research funding, and professional mentorship.
Dr. Joseph Kweku Horgle expressed his pride in having the Centre named after him, reflecting his lifelong commitment to professionalism, safety, and integrity in the transport industry. He shared his vision of elevating professional driving into a respected profession supported by formal education and internationally recognized standards. Dr. Horgle hopes the Centre will train a new generation of transport professionals while promoting road safety and operational excellence across Ghana and the West African sub-region.
The Centre's programmes will include executive education, professional certification, research, and specialized training in petroleum logistics, fleet management, transport operations, warehousing, customs and freight forwarding, corridor compliance, defensive driving, low-carbon logistics, and digital supply chain management. It will also collaborate with regulators and industry stakeholders to ensure its programmes remain aligned with national development priorities while providing students with practical industry exposure and opportunities for professional development.