Assessing the Role of Universities in Developing Communities within their Catchment Area: The Case of University of Professional Studies, Accra

Abstract

This study assessed the role of the universities in promoting development around their catchment areas using the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) in the La Nkwantanang Madina Municipality in an interpretivist research paradigm. The design was exploratory and purposive sampling method was used to select University Officials and community members in La Nkwantanang Municipality. With this in mind, the researcher drew respondents from the University‘s central administration, Deans and Heads of selected Faculties and the unit in-charge of the University’s Public Affairs. In all 15 participants were selected for the study. Interviews were conducted in English with all participants and were all audio-recorded after seeking their approval. Some interviews were held in the offices of the respondents and each session lasted between thirty (30) to forty five (45) minutes. Findings from the study suggest that while UPSA has appreciably linked its teaching, research, and service roles to the development needs of the La Nkwantanang Madina Municipality it has a stronger link with the human capital development, social, and infrastructural development. The perceived role in community development include community capacity building, infrastructural development and job creation. Communication strategies such as awareness creation and public education are generally used by UPSA when undertaking community development activities. However, there is poor cooperation between the University and the community. The community leaders are kept in the dark with regard to the projects and other forms of developmental interventions undertaken by the University. Community members see the UPSA’s community development activities as voluntary activities. It is, therefore, recommended that if UPSA is seen as a key player in the development of La Nkwantanang Madina Municipality through its mandate, then, government and regional authorities need to create an enabling environment and put in place appropriate support structures to stimulate an effective engagement of UPSA with its stakeholders, local businesses and other informal networks.