Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, Director of the Centre for European Studies (CES) giving his remarks.
The Centre for European Studies (CES), in collaboration with the European Union in Ghana, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD Ghana) and Campus France, recently organised a comprehensive one-day exchange programme at the University of Ghana.
Held at the Main Auditorium of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), the event was organised to provide students with valuable information on diverse study programmes and scholarship opportunities in Europe, inspiring them to seize these chances for career advancement.
The programme facilitated direct interaction between students aspiring to pursue higher education in Europe and representatives from EU-member countries in Ghana.
Convenor for the session and Director of the Centre for European Studies, Prof. Kwame Asah Asante, delivering remarks at the opening ceremony, expressed gratitude to the partners for facilitating such an event. He mentioned the objective of equipping final-year undergraduate students with information on funding sources and how to access them for further graduate studies.
Provost for the College of Humanities, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, praised the initiative while noting its potential contribution to addressing unemployment challenges in the country. He urged the students to pick up useful tips to help them navigate the challenges of applying and studying abroad.
Provost for the College of Humanities, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori
The Ambassador for the European Union to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, represented by Mr. Massimo Mina, Head of Cooperation at the European Union office in Ghana, encouraged students to approach the event proactively, highlighting its life-transforming opportunities. He pledged support for the CES and encouraged students interested in pursuing postgraduate studies in Europe to take advantage of the CES's resources and its collaborative relationship with EU member countries.
Mr. Massimo Mina, Representative of the EU Ambassador to Ghana
The event comprised two main sections. The initial section featured a roundtable discussion themed, "Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship," aimed at building the capacity of students in the areas of skills development and entrepreneurship to ensure their independence and development. During this session, the panel discussed their experiences in establishing businesses, the hurdles encountered, and how their international studies contributed to their entrepreneurial endeavors.
The panel included Miss Pauline Adjei from Results for Development (R4D), Mr. Stephen Eku, Founder of Emigoh (manufacturers of Yomi Yoghurt), Mrs. Victoria Afua Agbai, founder of Bubune Cosmetics and Mr. Gilbert Owusu, an Event Producer/Organiser.
Panelists during the session
The latter section, an information session on "Studying in Europe," showcased presentations from representatives of Erasmus Plus, Campus France and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD Ghana). These presentations covered various opportunities that exist in Europe, relative to universities and the courses they offer.
Also present at the event were the Head of the Department of the Political Science, Dr. Seidu Alidu and a Member of the African Student and Alumni Forum (ASAF), Dr. Esther Fobi Donkor.
