The University of Ghana and Operation Smile have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to foster academic cooperation with a particular focus on audiology and speech research. The collaboration was hailed as a promising venture by Prof. Julius Fobil, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, who expressed his delight at the partnership.
During the ceremony, Prof. Samuel Antwi-Baffour, the Dean of the School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, explained that the agreement aimed to formalise the existing relationship between the Department of Audiology, Speech, and Language Therapy and Operation Smile. The collaboration between the two entities dates back to 2016, and the discussions for the MoU began in 2020.
Prof. Samuel Antwi-Baffour, Dean, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences
He outlined the four key areas of collaboration, which are funding for visiting professors, training for speech and language therapists, funding for PhD speech and language therapists, and joint research and publications in speech care delivery. The signing of the MoU was seen as an affirmation and authentication of the ongoing partnership.
Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs (ASA), commended Operation Smile for its commitment to addressing critical needs in society. He emphasised that the University's reputation as Ghana's leading institution was upheld through such partnerships, which contribute to its competitiveness and set a benchmark for other universities.
Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs (ASA)
Expressing gratitude for Operation Smile's comprehensive partnership, Prof. Awandare encouraged further collaborations and formalisation of similar initiatives. He stated, "We are very grateful for your friendship and your partnership, and on behalf of the University management, I want to express our gratitude and our enthusiasm to continue to work with you."
Mr. Subhi Accad, the Board Chairman of Operation Smile Ghana, emphasised the significance of the partnership in enhancing audiology, speech, and language therapy care in Ghana. Operation Smile, as the largest voluntary organisation globally dedicated to providing comprehensive care to children born with cleft lips, has been actively working in Ghana since 2011. Mr. Accad highlighted the organisation's accomplishments, including surgeries, health evaluations, and various initiatives aimed at improving cleft care.
Mr. Subhi Accad, Board Chairman of Operation Smile Ghana, signing his part of the agreement
The partnership between Operation Smile and the University of Ghana, supported by funding from the Swedish Postcode Lottery, Operation Smile Sweden and Operation Smile Headquarters, aims to expand capacity and improve access to speech care delivery across the country. It encompasses education, training, capacity-building for health workers, research, and policy advocacy.
Professors Awandare and Antwi-Baffour, signed the MOU on behalf of the University, while Mr. Accad, and Mr. Elikem Nyavor, Country Manager of Operation Smile Ghana, signed on behalf of Operation Smile. Several faculty members as well as officials from both entities were present at the signing ceremony.
Prof. Awandare signing the agreement on behalf of the University
The collaboration between the University of Ghana and Operation Smile holds great promise for advancing audiology and speech research, and it reinforces the University's commitment to providing quality care to patients, especially children in need of support.
A group photograph after the ceremony
