A delegation from Sony Computer Science Laboratories Inc. (Sony CSL) and Sumitomo Corporation Africa, have paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, to discuss possible collaboration with the University on enhancing the University’s performance in the sector of agriculture.
In brief welcome remarks, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, stated that agriculture plays a vital role in the Ghanaian economy and that the majority of the Gross Domestic Product is attributed to agriculture. She further noted that research, coupled with the introduction of AI technology in agriculture, is important to improve crop yield.
Prof. Amfo was optimistic about the collaboration and said that it will help the School of Agriculture and University’s Agricultural Research Centres to augment the commercialisation of their produce.
Providing a brief background of the Project, Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Provost, College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), noted that the Project will see the cultivation and monitoring of edible vegetables, trees and crops. Prof. Onwona-Agyeman indicated that the project and sites in the University were being tested for their viability and noted that data collection called for Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He added that several meetings had been held to strengthen the partnership and a Memorandum of Understanding was also being arranged. Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman emphasised his College’s support for the Project due to the research component of AI and the possibility of commercialising the produce.
Mr. Tsuyoshi Ueda, Assistant Managing Director, Sumitomo Corporation Africa Limited, in brief remarks expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for the warm hospitality. He enumerated the achievements of Sumitomo Corporation and noted that deeper relations with partners like universities present worthwhile investments and opportunities.
Mr. Tsuyoshi stated that agriculture is an important sector that presents business opportunities in society. He also commended Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman and CBAS for the fruitful and effective collaborations.
Giving brief remarks, Dr. Masatoshi Funabashi, Group Lead, Planetary Navigation Group, Sony CSL, stated that the Project was the primary focus of Sony CSL. He noted that the sustainability of the multidisciplinary project is key and added that the delegation will visit sites earmarked for the project.
Prof. Irene Susana Egyir, Dean, School of Agriculture, in brief remarks noted that the Project is in line with the 4th Industrial Revolution and was hopeful for the effective outcome of the project.
Present at the ceremony were Mr. W.N. Torvinyo, Acting College Secretary, CBAS; Mrs. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director, Public Affairs Directorate; Mr. Benjamin Owusu Addo, Finance Officer, CBAS; Dr. Naalamle Amissah, Senior Lecturer, Department of Crop Science; Mr. Daniel Hormeku, Senior Assistant Registrar, CBAS; Mrs. Claudia Abbey, Junior Legal Officer, Office of the Legal Counsel and Mr. John Bawa Adenaa, Senior Administrative Assistant, CBAS.
Also present from Sumitomo Corporation Africa were Futa Takahashi; Junya Akiyama; Mayumi Shimura; and Worlasi Kartey.
