Italian Prime Minister Delivers Special Public Lecture at the University of Ghana

Prime Minister of Italy, His Excellency Giuseppe Conte

The Prime Minister of Italy, His Excellency Giuseppe Conte, has paid a visit to the University of Ghana where he delivered a special lecture titled Africa EU Relations: Towards a New Partnership as part of activities marking his visit to Ghana.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Stella A. Amoa, Director, Public Affairs welcomed the distinguished guests to the event.  She then introduced the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, who chaired the lecture. to deliver the introductory remarks.

In his remarks the Vice-Chancellor expressed his delight at the occasion and deemed it an honour to have the Prime Minister of Italy deliver a lecture at the University of Ghana. The Vice-Chancellor was particularly elated that in spite of his busy schedule since his arrival in Ghana, he had found time to visit the University and also to deliver a lecture.  “In choosing to deliver a lecture here at the University as part of your visit, you have demonstrated that as a Professor and a researcher, you are indeed at home with academia, and ever so ready to blend your political duties with your first love!  We are grateful for this.”

Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu

His Excellency Giuseppe Conte began his lecture by acknowledging the presence of the delegates in attendance. He expressed excitement at his visit to the University stating that it was like a homecoming due to the great love and respect he has for the University.

He shed light on the state of the existing relationship between Ghana and Italy which he noted has reaped mutual benefits for both countries. Recounting how Italy’s contribution to the Ghana’s development, he cited how Italian entrepreneurs and institutions have been a part of the socio-economic development of Ghana by building roads and providing energy among others.  He cited ENI, an Italian multinational oil and gas company as the single biggest direct foreign investor in Ghana.

The Prime Minister noted that Italy has been working hand-in-hand with the government of Ghana in creating a sustainable and inclusive development for Ghanaians, pointing to the “Akuafo Pa” project, an ENI sponsored project in Ghana that has led to the establishment of a new training centre for diversified Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship.

He congratulated Ghana for signing the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) as it is expected to open Ghana up to more economic development opportunities. He touched on the need to address certain challenges faced by countries in Africa and emphasized the need to address the challenge of mobility with a new approach.

A brief Question and Answer session ensued after the lecture moderated by Dr. Lloyd Amoah, Acting Director, Centre of European Studies where the Prime Minister addressed questions on various issues.

 

Some Students asking questions during the Question and Answer Session

Dignitaries in attendance included H.E. Giovanni Favilli, Ambassador of Italy to Ghana, H. E. Eudora Quartey-Koranteng, Ambassador of Ghana to Italy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, (ASA) Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Provosts, Directors, Deans, staff and students of the University of Ghana as well as members of the Italian community in Ghana.

From left: H.E. Giovanni Favilli, Ambassador of Italy to Ghana, Vice Chancellor Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, Prime Minister of Italy, His Excellency Giuseppe Conte and H. E. Eudora Quartey-Koranteng, Ambassador of Ghana to Italy