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Okyeman to establish Environmental University |
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The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has underscored his determination to establish a university for the study of Agriculture and the environment in Ghana. |
He reiterated his intention last Wednesday when he met with His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent at Wren House, Kensington Palace, London as part of his weeklong visit to the United Kingdom at the Prince's invitation.
Subject to the approval of the National Accreditation Board, the proposed institution would open its portals to admit students in October 2008.
According to a statement copied to The Statesman, the University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies would be established at Bunso in the East Akyem District of the Eastern Region. It would run three Bachelor of Science degree programmes in Agriculture and Environmental Studies and eventually inculcate an ICT programme at certificate and diploma levels.
The Okyenhene stated that the mission of the University is to provide functional and general skills in ecological and environmental studies to Ghanaians in general and the indigenes of the Eastern Region in particular. He described the University's mandate as providing advanced studies in the sustainable exploitation and preservation of the environment through the complementary means of teaching and research.
"In the 21st century, awareness and concerns about natural and man-made changes to the earth and its environment are mounting. This university college will offer opportunities for those who want to pursue careers in this new and fertile domain, not only for purely academic purposes but also the entire African continent to further our development agenda in a positive way".
Prince Edward commended Osagyefuo for the measures he had conceived in his traditional authority to attain environmental protection objectives to successfully alleviate poverty among the people, thereby achieving a major component of the Millennium Development Goals.
The Duke proposed cooperation and collaboration of Cranfield and Surrey Universities in the UK with the proposed university in Ghana to facilitate its smooth establishment and ensure international recognition.
Earlier, Osagyefuo held talks with representatives of the UK branch of Students in Free Enterprise at the KPMG offices in the City of London.
Speaking to Jim Ineson, the Executive Director of SIFE UK, Osagyefuo commended their efforts at establishing best practices in their activities in the two countries.
He suggested cooperation between them in future, particularly in terms of enhancing entrepreneurial skills among university students in both countries. Such students would work together to provide meaningful economic opportunities for the people of Ghana and other developing nations.
Osagyefuo called at the British Museum and met with the director, Prof Neil Macgregor
Speaking at the British Museum, Barima Asante Bediatuo, Okyeman Apagyahene, made a presentation on the history of Akyem Abuakwa, highlighting on the pivotal events that defined the Kingdom’s relationship with the British colonial authorities at the time, and proposed that the relationship and the artifacts that serve as a reminder of it could be translated into Museum pieces.
Jonathan King, keeper of the British Museum, expressed the Museum’s preparedness to assist in the establishment of such a Museum, saying "It is very important that the museum should be set up in Kyebi in the new and innovatory manner".
Osagyefuo was accompanied on his trip by his Apagyahene, Barima Asante Bediatuo, legal counsel Kwame Boateng, private secretary Edmond Boateng, special aid Joe Ofori-Atta, Apedwahene Barima Kesse Adu, Ahennanahene Barima Kwadwo Duah Beyeeman and a resource and research team. |
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