The Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), has reaffirmed its commitment to develop the next generation of ethical, competent and innovative business leaders through its continued support for the Tertiary Business Sense Challenge (TBSC).
The TBSC, a national business and accounting quiz competition for tertiary institutions, is organised by Graphic Business, a weekly publication of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL), in partnership with ICAG.
Speaking at the Grand Finale of the 8th Tertiary Business Sense Challenge held at the Zenith University College in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ICAG, Eric Oduro Osae, FCA, said the Institute’s involvement in the competition reflected its broader commitment to investing in young people and strengthening the pipeline of future professionals and business leaders.
He said ICAG’s support for the TBSC went beyond sponsoring a competition or identifying winners.
“Our investment in the Tertiary Business Sense Challenge is, fundamentally, an investment in people.
We are investing in young people before they become professionals by providing them with opportunities for early exposure, intellectual development, mentorship and leadership,” he said.
The CEO said the TBSC had evolved into an important national platform for promoting critical thinking, business awareness, teamwork, healthy competition and the practical application of knowledge among tertiary students.
He added that the skills developed through such platforms were essential for preparing young people to navigate an increasingly complex and competitive global economy.
Beyond bookkeeping
The CEO also encouraged students to view Chartered Accountancy as a dynamic and multifaceted profession with opportunities extending well beyond traditional bookkeeping and financial reporting.
He explained that the modern chartered accountant had become an integral part of strategic decision-making in organisations, serving as a business advisor, strategist, risk management expert, governance professional and trusted decision-making partner.
“Every profession needs an accountant,” the CEO emphasised, adding that financial literacy and an understanding of business and financial management were essential for professionals across disciplines.
He said medical doctors, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs, technologists and other professionals regularly made decisions with financial, commercial and governance implications and would therefore benefit from a sound understanding of accounting and financial management.
Mr Osae further urged tertiary students to take advantage of opportunities for early engagement with the accountancy profession, particularly through the ICAG Students’ Association.
He said the Association provided a platform through which students could access mentorship, professional networking, career guidance and opportunities to engage with chartered Accountants and other professionals.
He encouraged students to develop not only their academic capabilities but also the values, leadership qualities, communication skills, integrity and professional discipline required to succeed in their chosen careers.
The CEO reaffirmed ICAG’s commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure the continued sustainability and growth of the TBSC.
He said the institute would continue to provide both financial and technical support to the competition and explore opportunities to broaden its reach and impact across tertiary institutions in Ghana.
He stressed that partnerships with professional bodies, the media, educational institutions and the private sector were critical to creating platforms that equipped young people with the knowledge and competencies required to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Strong institutional support
The Grand Finale was attended by the President of ICAG, Augustine Addo, FCA, members of the ICAG Council, management and staff, a representative of the Ministry of Education, representatives of tertiary institutions, sponsors and partners, media representatives and students.
Their participation underscored the growing importance attached to initiatives that promote academic excellence, business awareness and leadership development among young people.
UCC emerges champs
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) emerged winners of Version 8 of the Tertiary Business Sense Challenge, following an impressive performance at the Grand Finale.
The achievement brought the eighth edition of the competition to a successful and memorable conclusion.
The ICAG congratulated UCC and all the participating institutions on their outstanding performances, commitment and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
The institute also commended GCGL, the sponsors, participating tertiary institutions, students, organisers and other partners for their contributions towards the success of the TBSC.
ICAG reiterated that initiatives such as the TBSC were important in identifying talent, developing leadership capacity and cultivating the business and professional competencies needed to build a stronger, more resilient and prosperous Ghana.
