STU introduces Bachelor of Technology in Mass and Media Communication

Sunyani Technical University (STU) has introduced a Bachelor of Technology in Mass and Media Communication programme to equip students with practical, industry-oriented skills for the rapidly changing media and communication landscape.

The announcement was made by Ing. Prof. Julius Caesar Puoza, Pro-Vice Chancellor of STU, when he chaired the 4th Bono Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards ceremony held at the Sweet Touch Hotel in Sunyani last Saturday.

Prof. Puoza said the new programme demonstrated the University’s commitment to providing technology-driven education that responds to the evolving needs of the media industry.

He said the programme would provide students with relevant knowledge and practical competencies in communication, journalism, digital media and related fields, preparing them for the demands of contemporary media practice.

According to him, the introduction of the programme was particularly significant given the changing nature of journalism and communication, where technological advancement continues to transform the way information is gathered, produced and consumed.

Industry-academia collaboration
Prof. Puoza said there was a need for stronger collaboration between academia and the media industry to ensure that journalism education remained relevant to professional practice.

“Our universities should not operate in isolation from the professional environment,” he said, stressing that journalists, editors, broadcasters, communication specialists and media organisations possessed valuable practical experience that could enrich teaching and professional training.

He proposed closer collaboration between STU and the GJA to expose students to experienced media practitioners through industrial attachments, mentorship programmes, guest lectures, professional seminars, practical training and applied research.

GJA-STU partnership
The Pro-Vice Chancellor further called for a stronger partnership between STU and the GJA to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional media practice.

He said regular interaction between students and practising journalists would provide students with first-hand knowledge of the realities of the profession while enabling media practitioners to contribute to curriculum development and applied research.

Ethics and professionalism
Prof. Puoza said the theme for the awards, “Ethics, Integrity and Impactful Journalism - Essential Ingredients for Societal Transformation,” was relevant to the responsibilities of the media in contemporary society.

He noted that journalism played a critical role in informing citizens, promoting accountability, creating awareness and contributing to national and community development.

However, he cautioned that these responsibilities required journalists to demonstrate strong commitment to ethics, integrity, accuracy, fairness and professionalism.

He said the recognition of outstanding journalists through the GJA Awards was important because it encouraged excellence and professional standards within the media fraternity.

Prof. Puoza commended the Bono Regional branch of the GJA for creating a platform to recognise journalists and media practitioners whose work had contributed to the development of the region.

He expressed the hope that the awards would inspire journalists to maintain high professional standards while using their platforms to contribute positively to society.

The 4th Bono Regional GJA Awards brought together journalists, media managers, academics, corporate representatives and other stakeholders to celebrate excellence and professional achievement in journalism across the region.

Lawrence Yeboah Gyan of Wisdom FM was adjudged the 2025 Bono Regional Best Journalist of the Year. Several other journalists, veteran journalists and corporate institutions were also honored during the programme.

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu-Nketia; the Minister of Works and Housing, Ahmed Ibrahim, who is also the MP for Banda; the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboah; and several others.