The University of Ghana has renewed its partnership with Petroleum Geo-Science (PGS) Ghana Limited, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote academic cooperation, particularly in the areas of Geoscience research and education.
Both UG and PGS Ghana have common and complimentary objectives in academic cooperation in Geoscience. The two (2) parties have collaborated with each other to foster and support research in Geoscience and are advancing Geoscience educational development in Ghana. The agreement which was signed initially for three (3) years has expired and has been reviewed for extension for another 3 years.
This contract seeks to target young Geoscientists offering postgraduate programmes at the UG Department of Earth Science, to expose students to industry working environments, procedures and equipment used on the field, as well as provide opportunities for internships or employment in PGS.
Speaking at the brief signing ceremony, Prof. Gordon A. Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (ASA), commended PGS Ghana Limited for supporting UG to achieve its vision of becoming a world-class research-intensive University.
He also stated that the University would collaborate closely with PGS to deepen understanding of Earth’s systems and to provide students with valuable opportunities to engage in joint research projects and internships.
Prof. Gordon A. Awandare speaking at the ceremony
Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS) expressed delight at the partnership and expressed the hope that it will be extended to other students in the college, in the near future.
Professor Bruce Banoeng-Yakubo, Occupant of the Research Chair in Petroleum Geoscience at the Department of Earth Science, provided insights into the existing relationship between the University of Ghana and PGS over the years. He indicated that in 2019, PGS contacted the then Provost of CBAS, Prof. Daniel Asiedu, to ascertain how the organisation could render support to the University. In 2020, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to seal the contract.
“So far, the project has sponsored six (6) PhD students who are at various levels of their study,” he said, adding that the partnership is worth $50,000.00 per year.
Ms. Eugenia Aidoo-Laryea, Country Manager of PGS Ghana Limited, expressed confidence that 2023 would be profitable for her outfit to continue supporting the University.
Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (ASA), and Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Provost of CBAS signed on behalf of UG, while PGS Ghana Limited was represented by Ms. Eugenia Aidoo-Laryea, Country Manager, and Mr. Joseph Bowers, Shore Representative.
UG officials present at the signing included Prof. S.M. Yidana, Dean of the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Prof. L.P. Chegbeleh, HoD, Earth Science; Dr. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director, Public Affairs Directorate and Mr. W.N. Torvinyo, Ag. College Secretary, CBAS.
A group picture after the signing
Also present were, Ms. Rebecca Owusu-Asamoah, Country Manager, OMA Ghana; Mr. John Edoh, Group HR Manager OMA Ghana, and Mr. Foster Domoah Boateng, Geoscientist, PGS Ghana Limited.
