UG, Université Joseph KI-ZERBO Sign MoU to Deepen Teaching, Research and Exchange Cooperation

The University of Ghana and Université Joseph KI-ZERBO (UJKZ) of Burkina Faso have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise a five-year framework for cooperation in teaching, research, training and exchange. The partnership seeks to strengthen academic ties, promote regional collaboration and create opportunities for mobility and joint initiatives that will benefit both institutions.

The MoU was signed on behalf of UG by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, while Prof. Jean-François Silas Kobiané, President of UJKZ, signed on behalf of his institution. The signing ceremony was also witnessed by Prof. Jemima A. Anderson, Dean of the International Programmes Office (IPO, UG) and Prof. Adama Sanou, Vice-President for International Cooperation and Research at UJKZ.

Providing a background to the MoU, Prof. Anderson, Dean of IPO, recalled the longstanding collaboration between the two universities, dating back to when French students at UG undertook academic exchanges at the then Université de Ouagadougou. 

She noted that in more recent years, ties between UG and UJKZ had been revitalised through official visits and discussions, culminating in the formalisation of this renewed partnership. “This MoU represents the second leg of our journey to rekindle collaboration and commit to transformative programmes that will be productive and yield results,” she said.

In his remarks, Prof. Jean-François Kobiané, President of UJKZ, expressed his delight at being present for the signing of the MoU. He recalled earlier discussions with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Amfo, on the renewal of relations and emphasised the shared opportunities the agreement presents. “We are already pleased, as meetings with our colleagues have shown us that there are many things we can do together in various disciplines and areas. But this MoU will only be meaningful if it is properly implemented with concrete steps and actions,” he stated. 

He also expressed appreciation to the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Ghana for facilitating the partnership.

For her part, UG Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, described the signing as an appropriate step in reigniting an old relationship. She expressed gratitude to the International Programmes Office and the Legal Affairs Directorate for their efforts in making the signing possible. 

Prof. Amfo linked the collaboration to Priority 4 (Engagement and Partnerships) of UG’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, stressing that regional partnerships with neighbouring countries are an important complement to the University’s global engagements. “Although language has often been a barrier, it is important that we build bridges across languages and work together to ensure these collaborations succeed,” she remarked. 

Prof. Amfo further highlighted the presence of the Burkinabe Ambassador at the ceremony as a sign of the importance the government of Burkina Faso attaches to the agreement. She encouraged both institutions to prioritise research collaborations, student and staff exchanges and joint initiatives that will bring tangible benefits to both universities.

Present at the signing were H.E. Ambassador David Kabré, Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to Ghana; Dr. Christelle Nadenbega, the Director of International Cooperation and Faculty Staff Promotion at Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo; Dr. Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director of Public Affairs at UG; Ms. Rosemary Tagoe, Coordinator of Study Abroad Office and Alumni Affairs (IPO); Mr. Emmanuel Yaw Dankwa, Senior Recruitment Officer at IPO and Ms. Audrey Ablorh-Quarcoo of the Legal Affairs Directorate, UG.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in areas including student and staff mobility, joint research, academic material exchanges and collaborative conferences. 

The two universities expressed optimism that the partnership will strengthen scholarly ties between Ghana and Burkina Faso and expand opportunities for students and staff, contribute to regional knowledge exchange and advance the role of higher education in addressing shared developmental challenges.