UG Signs Agreement for Aquaculture Research and Production Centre at Degorme-Mepe

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey exchanging the signed agreement with the representative of Degorme-Mepe community, Mr. Christian Akaho-Tay

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, on behalf of the University has signed an agreement with community leaders of the Degorme-Mepe Traditional Area of the Volta Region, to facilitate work on the new aquaculture research and production centre for the University.

Prof. Ernest Aryeetey indicated that the agreement formed a major part of the University’s interest to secure suitable lands for research projects. He expressed confidence that the Aquaculture Research and Production Centre upon completion, will be run effectively to generate new knowledge useful to farmers and fish farmers to enable them become more productive by using innovative farming strategies to increase yield, generate income and to offer employment to people in the community. While commending the community leaders for the sacrifice made to provide the University with 5.340 acres of land for the project, he assured of a sustained partnership that would foster mutual benefits between the University and residents of Degorme-Mepe community.

Mr. Christian Akaho-Tay who signed on behalf of the delegation, said the Centre will be of immense socio-economic benefit to three Tongu districts comprising 13 Traditional Areas, as well as promote and enhance training in aquaculture for youth employment in Ghana. He noted also that activities of the Centre will revive the fresh-water fishing industry for tilapia cultivation, including prawns, clams and many other species. Mr. Akaho-Tay said the Project site comes with a three-phase electrification, pipe-borne water, a three-classroom and an office block, as well as a newly tarred road connecting the township. He expressed the appreciation of residents of Degorme-Mepe towards the efforts of Prof. Edward Akaho, a passionate advocate of the Mepe Traditional Area for establishing a relationship with the academic staff of the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences which has led to the initiation of the project.

In her remarks as Chairperson, the Dean of the School of Biological Sciences, Prof. Matilda Steiner-Asiedu touched on the continued collaboration existing between the School and the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences.  This partnership she noted, has facilitated all necessary discussions and eventual build up to the formalization of the agreement. She encouraged the Project overseers to work hard to finish on time, and ensure increased supply of produce to meet growing demand, as well as serve as supplement to deficiency of essential nutrients.

The Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu in a brief statement, acknowledged a number of similar projects his College and the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences have embarked on. He noted developments such as the Tilapia project at Kpong, the Shrimp project at Ada, and a recent initiative by the School of Agriculture to procure land at Afram Plains for extensive research-based agricultural production. Prof. Oduro Owusu expressed his profound gratitude to the community for involving the University of Ghana in the project, adding that, it would bring a new facelift to the community.

The Head of Department for Marine and Fisheries Sciences at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwasi Appeaning Addo coordinated the ceremony. The signing was witnessed by the College Secretary of CBAS, Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, the Head of Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Dr. Gordon Awandare, Deans and Faculty members, as well as members of the Degorme-Mepe community. Present also were Dr. Sam Addo, lecturer at the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, who offered prayers to commence the programme, and Dr. Angela Lamptey, lecturer at the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, who gave the vote of thanks.

A Group photograph taken after the ceremony