University of Ghana Receives Delegation from the German Federal Parliament

Mr. Hans-Helge Sander, Deputy German Ambassador to Ghana receiving a gift from Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, Vice Chancellor of University of Ghana

The University of Ghana has received a delegation from the Committee on Education and Research of the German Federal Parliament, to discuss issues of collaboration between the University of Ghana and Germany. Ms. Sybille Benning, Member of Parliament, German Bundestag, who led the delegation was accompanied by Mr. Hans-Helge Sander, Deputy German Ambassador to Ghana.

Ms. Sybille Benning in brief remarks noted that the aim of the visit was to have an insight into various collaborations existing between the University of Ghana and Germany, while exploring new areas of collaboration.

Ms. Sybille Benning (middle) making brief remarks

Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Francis Dodoo, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Development gave a brief overview of the history, structure and governance of the University.  Prof. Dodoo lauded the level of collaboration and partnership agreements existing between the University and Germany mentioning the recent visit by a German delegation led by the Mayor of Freiburg. He appealed to the delegation to reconsider the payment of overhead research grants as delay in payment of research grants have a major impact on the research. In response to a question by a member of the delegation on the digital technological  achievements of the University, Prof. Dodoo indicated that a maker space lab has been opened at the Office of Research, Innovation and Development to assist students, faculty and industry learn, design, work and share ideas among others. He was hopeful that the University would benefit from the technological advancement strides made by Germany in future collaborations.

 Prof. Francis Dodoo, Pro-Vice-Chancellor welcoming the German delegation

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu expressed appreciation to the delegation for choosing to partner with the University. He informed the delegation that the University of Ghana upholds the principles of transparency, honesty, loyalty and integrity and has thus positioned itself as a model for the country. He further assured the delegation of the University’s commitment towards a fruitful partnership and assured them of a high level of fiscal discipline.

Earlier, Prof. Abena Oduro, Director (Ghana) of the Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa, MIASA, in brief remarks gave an overview of MIASA’s activities and achievements since its inaugural conference in September 2018. She noted that the University of Ghana was committed to the success as well as progression of the project and has consequently integrated it into the College of Humanities. Prof. Oduro was optimistic that MIASA would be given the go ahead to fully commence the project in December after the evaluation process.

Prof. Abena Oduro, Director (Ghana) of the Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa, MIASA (Middle)

There was an interactive session where the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, ORID, and other Senior Management members present responded to various issues raised by the delegation.

Other members of the German delegation were Dr. Karamba Diaby, Anke Domschiet-Berg, Dr. Stefan Kaufmann, Jens Brandenburg, Wai Gehring, Andreas Meyer, Nicola Hodasi and Dr. Wieble Esdes.

Group picture after the meeting

Also present at the meeting were Prof. Samuel Agyei Mensah, Provost, College of Humanities, Prof. Daniel Asiedu, Provost, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Rev. Prof. Patrick F. Ayeh-Kumi, Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof. Michael Tagoe, Acting Provost, College of Education, Dr. Ibrahim Bedi, Acting Director, Internal Audit, Dr. Olivia Anku Tsede, Head Legal Counsel, Mr. Daniel Baidoo, Director, Human Resource and Organisational Development, Mrs. Christy Badu, Acting Director, Academic Affairs and Dr. Agnes Schneider-Musah, Academic Coordinator, MIASA.