Good education encompasses getting hands-on understanding of how theory applies to real-life situations. It is for this reason that the University’s Department of Earth Science of the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Aberdeen Drilling School Ltd/Kanship Intertrade Ghana (ADS/K).
The MoU is intended to be the start of a long-term collaboration between UG and ADS/K to promote localisation and enhance the standard of knowledge, competence, and safety within the Ghanaian drilling and well services industries.
Explaining the background to the MoU, Prof. Boateng Onwona‐Agyeman, Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), indicated how the discussions to partner with more industry players ensued after the Petroleum Commission, Ghana awarded scholarships to ten (10) needy female students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in 2021. These extensive discussions have established a match between Department of Earth Science and the operations of ADS/K. “We are here to sign this MoU. It’s going to be a journey and my colleague experts in the field have pledged that they’re going to work so hard that other industries will see the essence of this partnership”, he opined.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, noted that “the aim of the MoU is to confirm the intentions of both parties to work together”. She anticipated that the Department of Earth Science will be able to add value to students on the Petroleum Geoscience programme, thus enhancing their employability. Prof. Amfo urged both parties to commit 100 percent to executing their obligations under the MoU.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
In a brief statement, Mr. Tom Donnelly, Regional Manager, Africa at Aberdeen Drilling School Ltd. expressed excitement about the deepened collaborations between the two parties. He said, “we believe that this relationship and compatibility between the knowledge and experience levels that you have on Geology and Geo Science fits perfectly with our focus on well drilling and engineering”.
Mr. Jason Grant, Managing Director, Aberdeen Drilling School Ltd, noted that the School hopes to bring real experiences from the oil field to the UG students as they prepare for the industry.
Prof. Olivia Anku- Tsede, Legal Counsel facilitated the signing of MoU by the two parties as well as the presentation of the signed MoU. Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, College Secretary, CBAS, delivering the vote of thanks extended appreciation to the leadership of the two institutions for ensuring the realisation of the MoU. “We are particularly grateful that the MoU will help School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences in general and Department of Earth Science, in particular to realise its vision of improving research, teaching and learning by providing opportunities for requisite skills and knowledge as well as practical training in oil and gas’, stated Mr. Baidoo.
The ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Patrick A. Sakyi, Head, Department of Earth Science, Prof. Bruce Kofi Banoeng-Yakubo, GNPC Research Chair, Department of Earth Science; Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana, Dean, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Mrs. Elizier T. Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director, Public Affairs Directorate; Mr. Daniel Hormeku, Senior Assistant Registrar, CBAS, Madam Marisca Obeng, Administrative Manager, GNPC Research Chair and Mrs. Ama Pinkrah Sowatey, Assistant Registrar, Office of Legal Counsel.
The Kanship Intertrade Ghana delegation included Madam Sandra Ametowobla and Mr. Kofi Amadi Ntow.
A group photograph after the signing
