In Ghana’s higher education landscape, few scholars combine integrity, vision, and impact like Professor Oswald Atiga. A trailblazer in Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain education, his work has shaped minds, influenced policy, and raised professional standards both nationally and globally.

Born in Kogwania-Nayagnia, a suburb of Navrongo in the Upper East Region, Prof. Atiga’s journey reflects discipline, service, and purposeful leadership. He currently serves as an Associate Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Head of the Department of Procurement and Logistics Management (PLM) in the School of Business and Management Studies at the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU), where he has spent over two decades transforming education and practice.

Building a foundation of service and discipline

Atiga’s education began at the Monsignor Abatey Memorial Preparatory Primary School from 1981 to 1986, followed by Ordinary Level (Form 1 to 5) studies at Notre Dame Minor Seminary Secondary School (NDSSS) in Navrongo from 1987 to 1992, and then to Sunyani Secondary School (SUSEC) for Sixth Form (Advanced Level) from 1994 to 1996.

Early teaching roles at St. John Bosco’s JSS and work with the Navrongo Health Research Centre (NHRC) honed his leadership and organizational skills, laying the groundwork for his academic and professional excellence.

He earned a Bachelor of Education (Arts) from the University of Cape Coast from 1997 to 2000 and taught at St. Charles Minor Seminary Secondary School in the Northern Region during his National Service before joining Bolgatanga Polytechnic (now BTU) in 2004.

He later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (2007–2008), an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at KNUST (2008–2010), and a PhD in Logistics Management from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2022.

His doctoral research, which compared the public and private medical commodity supply chains in the Upper East Region of Ghana, continues to influence institutional policy across the country.

“Professor Atiga’s journey is a testament to how hard work, discipline, and humility can drive both personal and institutional excellence. He leads by example, showing that ethical leadership is not optional, but the way to go,” notes Dr Benjamin Asunka, a fellow faculty member.

Leadership and institutional impact

Over the past 20 years, Atiga has advanced from Instructor to Associate Professor and Head of Department, transforming BTU’s PLM unit into one of its most innovative and respected departments.

He has also served as Chairman of the Bolgatanga branch of the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG-BTU), a member of the Development Committee (a sub-committee of the University Governing Council), and a member of the University Council from 2020 to 2024.

Colleagues describe him as a “results-oriented team player with a deep sense of fairness and duty.”

“His ability to balance administrative duties with academic mentorship is rare; he does not just manage, he inspires people to give their best,” observes Dr. James Azanleigu, a lecturer in the PLM Department.

Under his leadership, BTU’s Procurement and Logistics programmes—from HND to Degree and Masters level—have become known for their ethical focus, research rigor, and industry relevance, producing graduates ready for both professional excellence and public service.

“Professor Atiga is approachable yet demanding. He doesn’t just teach logistics; he teaches integrity, responsibility, and the value of ethical decision-making in every class,” remarked Moses Akolgo, a former student now working in the banking industry.

National influence and research excellence

Atiga’s expertise extends to national service. He is a member of the Regional Tender Review Committee of the Upper East Region and the Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply (GIPS), where he promotes transparency, accountability, and sustainability in public procurement.

A prolific researcher, he has published widely on sustainable procurement, internal supply chain practices, logistics and drone delivery of medical commodities, and public sector ethics.

His 2024 book, Public Procurement in Ghana (Volume 1), along with his 2025 publications, continues to shape governance discourse and serve as key references for policymakers and students alike.

“His research has not only filled gaps in academic literature but has also directly influenced policy and best practices in procurement across Ghana. His work bridges theory and practice, which is what makes it so impactful,” stressed Theophilus Azungah, former Dean of the School of Business and Management Studies at BTU.

Mentor, educator, and ethical leader

In the classroom, Prof Atiga blends global insights with local realities. His courses—ranging from Global Supply Chain Management to Managing Ethical Procurement—equip students with both technical expertise and a strong ethical foundation.

Students often describe him as a lecturer who “teaches integrity as much as logistics.”

“Professor Atiga challenges you to think critically, but also reminds you that every professional decision has an ethical dimension. He shapes not just careers, but character,” said Michael Teye, a recent graduate.

Grounded in humility and guided by a strong moral compass, Prof. Atiga sees every role as a call to serve, believing that true service uplifts others.

“Every lecture, every administrative duty, every research project is about creating value for others,” Prof. Atiga explains. “Service is meaningful only when it benefits people beyond yourself.”

A legacy of transformation

From rural Navrongo to Johannesburg and back to BTU, Prof. Atiga exemplifies how discipline, education, and ethical leadership can transform institutions and lives. His influence is visible not only in the policies he helps shape and the research he publishes, but also in the professionals he mentors.

Recognized by both colleagues and students for his lasting impact, Atiga has helped shape a generation of principled, capable, and ethical leaders in Ghana’s evolving Procurement and Supply Chain sector.

His journey stands as a powerful testament to disciplined scholarship, transformative leadership, and an unwavering commitment to integrity.