Lancaster University, Ghana, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) to develop the accounting and finance profession in Ghana.

The MOU would enable the two institutions to collaborate in the areas of professional accountancy training, conducting of examinations and continuous professional development.

Professor John Grainger, Provost, Lancaster University, Ghana, said at the signing ceremony that the students would join research and knowledge exchange programmes not only in the country but regionally and internationally.

He said the agreement would be an opportunity for the University and the ACCA to strengthen the support for the accounting profession also in West Africa.

The Provost said the University would also provide a Master Class workshop for ACCA members.

Mr Norman Williams, Head of Ghana ACCA, said accountants have a major role to play in businesses globally, therefore, they have to equip themselves with the latest knowledge in their respective fields of expertise.

He said the MOU sets the stage for similar collaboration with the partners in the sub-region to bring value to the development of human capital and socio-economic development.

He said ACCA is in the process of evaluating what exemptions Accounting and Finance students would receive when they complete their degree at Lancaster University Ghana.

Mr Isaac Gyimah Adigu, Education and Development Manager, ACCA, said as part of the partnership, there would be the establishment of the LUG/ACCA Accounting club in all Senior High Schools to develop the interest of students in Accounting.

He said the Association decided to partner the University because they have mutual objectives.

The MOU will also give opportunities, invitation and permission for participation of ACCA members and the students from the University to take part in conferences, seminars, training programmes and workshops.