Prof. Samuel Offei, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Students Affairs and Air Vice-Marshall Frank Hanson, Chief of Air Staff after the signing of the MOU
The University of Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana Air Force to build capacity in the engineering sectors of both institutions.
The partnership which will enable the University of Ghana’s School of Engineering Sciences to assist the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) with guest lecturers in Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Metallurgy, Materials Science and other allied subjects to strengthen the capacity of personnel, follows a donation of a decommissioned aircraft (Aermacchi MB-339) by the Ghana Air Force to the University in November, 2016.
Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Dean, School of Engineering Sciences in his welcome address gave a brief history of the school of Engineering indicating that the School was established in 2004 with five academic disciplines namely Agricultural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering Food Process Engineering and Material Science and Engineering. Prof. Onwona-Agyeman further, explained that the agreement was necessary to help the two institutions spell out their respective roles in the partnership.
He observed that even though Ghana’s aerospace industry was young, it had potential for growth, adding that the establishment of the Department of Aerospace Engineering in the university needed such a collaboration to realise its objectives. He opined that the department will be charged with the sole responsibility of training aerospace engineers and complement the government’s efforts at making Ghana the hub for aviation training in West Africa.
Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Dean, School of Engineering Sciences
Air Vice-Marshall Frank Hanson, Chief of Air Staff in brief remarks stated that the MoU was an indication that civil military cooperation could exist in the country. He was optimistic that the MoU will open up other opportunities in the Arts, Business and Development Studies for the mutual benefit of the two institutions. Air Vice-Marshall Hanson further commended the efforts of Prof. Sefa Dedeh, immediate past Dean, School of Engineering Sciences for initiating the agreement and was hopeful that the outcome would impact positively in training of both the military and students of the university.
Prof. Samuel Offei, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Students Affairs who signed on behalf of the University expressed gratitude to the Ghana Air Force for the kind gesture. Prof. Offei noted that a key challenge in the School of Engineering Sciences of the university was the lack of practical experience for students to make them fit for the job market. He said the agreement would, therefore, allow the GAF to open up its facilities to the School to complement the theoretical training offered the students. He charged both institutions to harness each other’s strength to ensure a successful cooperation.
Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, College Secretary, College of Basic and Applied Sciences in his closing remarks stated that the MoU will help the School of Engineering Sciences realise its vision of mounting a program in Aerospace Engineering, help in the realization of the vision and mission of both institutions and ultimately contribute to the development of the country.
Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, College Secretary, College of Basic and Applied Sciences
The ceremony was witnessed by, Dr. Olivia Anku-Tsede, Legal Counsel, Mrs. Stella A. Amoa, Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Elvis Tiburu, Head of Department. Biomedical Engineering, Dr. Edward Benjamin Sabi, Head of Department, Agricultural Engineering, Prof. A. Q. Q. Aboagye, Department of Finance, University of Ghana Business School, Prof. Sefa-Dedeh, School of Engineering Dr. Lucas Damoah, Department of Material Science and Engineering and Mr. Emmanuel Kyei, Office of the Legal Counsel.
Group picture of officials after the event
Also representing the Ghana Air Force were; GP CAPT Albert Addai, Director of Engineering, Air Force Headquarters, GP CAPT J. Mensah-Larkai, Air Force Base, Accra Command, GP CAPT David Akrong, Director of Training, Air Force Headquarters, GP CAPT F. Odoi Wellington, Air Force Headquarters, GP CAPT C. N. A Mills, Air Secretary/Director of Projects, Air Force Headquarters, Wing Commander Yaw Gyimah, School of Trade Training, Air Force Base, Accra, and Mr. Kofi Apenteng, National Development Planning Commission.
