University of Ghana partners French Institutions to Consolidate Research Collaboration

A group picture of participants after signing the MOU

The University of Ghana and some French Institutions; L’Institut Français de Recherche pour l’Exploitation de la Mer (Ifremer), Université de Bretagne Occidentale and Université de Rennes 1 have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to consolidate the relationship between them in areas of research.

In brief remarks during the ceremony, the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs (ASA), Prof. Samuel Kwame Offei who signed on behalf of the University, welcomed the French Team and gave a brief history of the University. He acknowledged the strong collaboration the University had with the French Embassy in supporting the Language Centre of the University with lecturers.

According to him, although the University has not had many collaborations beyond the Language Centre, he expressed hope that the recent collaborative efforts would expand to other programme areas of the University. Prof. Offei expressed the University’s willingness to support the initiative in every way possible.

Dr. Daniel Islanian of Ifremer and Prof. Samuel Kwame Offei exchanging the MOU

Prof. Daniel Asiedu, Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences welcomed the French Team to the Ghana. He noted that the collaboration was not only on the agenda of the College, but also relevant to the University’s vision of becoming a “World Class research-intensive University”. He therefore assured the French team of their readiness to support the initiative.

The Head of Department of Earth Science, Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana, in his address disclosed that the MOU is part of efforts by the Department of Earth Science to enhance its visibility and efficiency in conducting and training Students in research. According to him, the MOU would enable Students and lecturers share knowledge and access facilities available to them. In addition, both teams would embark on joint research works and supervise particularly PHD Students from any of the Universities.

The leader of the French Team, Dr. Daniel Islanian of Ifremer expressed appreciation for the tremendous work done so far and gave a brief background to the collaboration. According to him, the team’s decision to engage officially with the University, stemmed from their experience with a student from the University of Ghana who excelled during a further studies in France.

Dr. Joseph Thompson, a beneficiary of the joint collaboration of the three French Institutions expressed his appreciation for the warmth hospitality extended him during his stay in France. He also commended their support systems and the lecturers’ commitment towards students.

Officials from UG and the French Institutions

The ceremony was witnessed by Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, College Secretary; Dr. Patrick Sakyi, Dr. Larry Pax Chegbeleh and Dr. Chris Anani, Senior Members from the Department of Earth and Mr. Daniel Hormeku, Assistant Registrar of International Programmes Office. The French delegation included Dr. Daniel Aslanian and Dr. Maryline Moulin of L’Institut Français de Recherche pour l’Exploitation de la Mer (Ifremer), Dr. Marina Rabineau and Prof. Pascal Tarits of Université de Bretagne Occidentale with Dr. Sonia Coupre and Leslie Mills from the French Embassy.