The University of Ghana is set to become the home of a Turkish Cultural Institute, an initiative to be established by the Republic of Turkey as part of ongoing collaborations between the Turkish Embassy and the University of Ghana.
This promising development emerged as a focal point during a recent courtesy visit paid by the Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Hüseyin Güngör, to the Vice-Chancellor.
Mr. Hüseyin Güngör was warmly received by the Pro Vice-Chancellor in Charge of Research, Innovation, and Development, representing Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Vice-Chancellor of the University.
In his remarks, Mr. Hüseyin Güngör noted, "one of the areas the Embassy seeks to actively collaborate with universities is research and development, an area where the University of Ghana has significant potential.” He highlighted the existing relationship between the Turkish Embassy and the University of Ghana and expressed a strong willingness to expand this partnership by engaging in various initiatives and projects.
Mr. Güngör further indicated the Embassy's readiness to kick-start collaborations with the University of Ghana through the establishment of a cultural institute on the main campus of the University. This institute, he emphasised, would serve as a foundation for future collaborations with the University. He called upon the University's management to provide the necessary resources and technical assistance to expedite the establishment of the cultural institute.
The Ambassador highlighted that “while Turkey has engaged in various collaborations with institutions in Ghana, particularly in the fields of science and technology, there is yet to be direct projects with Ghanaian institutions in this area.” He noted that the establishment of the cultural institute presents an opportunity for Turkey and Ghana to work closely together.
Additionally, Mr. Hüseyin Güngör revealed the significance of establishing the institute in 2023, marking the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. This milestone, he stated, would hold meaningful and symbolic value.
In his remarks, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante highlighted that “the University of Ghana has hosted several cultural institutes, including the Confucius Institute, and we are open to accommodating additional cultural institutes on our campus.”
He assured the ambassador that, despite the current challenge of limited space, the University's management would make every effort to allocate space for the Turkish Cultural Institute to commence its operations within the University.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor (RID) also acknowledged Turkey's contributions to educating Ghanaian students in fields such as medicine, science and technology, noting the recent technological advancements achieved by Turkish institutions. “Therefore, we assure you of the University’s commitment to fostering collaboration with Turkey,” he affirmed.
Furthermore, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante provided the Ambassador with a brief overview of the Collegiate system and discussed how the proposed Turkish Cultural Institute would seamlessly be integrated into the University's academic structure. He also assured the Ambassador that operationalising the UG-Turkish collaboration this year would be very meaningful as the University is celebrating its 75th Anniversary.
In her brief remarks, the Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, expressed her appreciation to the Turkish Ambassador for considering the University as one of the prime options for establishing the Turkish Cultural Institute.
She reaffirmed UG's commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships and its readiness to collaborate in establishing the institute.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Elizier T. Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director of the University’s Public Affairs Directorate, and Mr. Levent Senel, Deputy Turkish Ambassador to Ghana.
