A delegation from Bonn and Basel Universities in Germany, led by the Director the Centre for Asian Studies, Dr. Lloyd Adu Amoah, has paid a courtesy call on Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs. The visit was to officially introduce themselves as spearheads of the Katekisama Project which will allow scholars and students of the University of Ghana, Bonn and Basel to collaborate via research, exchange programmes, fellowships, special courses, seminars and conferences.
Prof. Gordon Awandare, in receiving the delegates noted his excitement about the enhanced vision and expanded scope of the collaboration. He explained that partnerships such as this forms part of the vision of the University of Ghana to become a globally competitive world-class research-intensive University. “The critical component of our strategic plan for being world-class is internationalisation”, he added.
Prof. Awandare disclosed that the University has recently decided to be deliberate with its internationalisation, thus setting up a committee to develop a policy on internationalisation. He noted that the committee is to come up with a strategic and implementation plan that will not only put the University of Ghana in the limelight but also open it up for partnership and new collaborations. “We want to open up to the global community and best partner with the best institution out there”, he stated.
Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs
Prof. Awandare expressed how the University of Ghana is aligned with the digitalised vision articulated by the delegates. “It is part of the Vice-Chancellor’s vision to evolve us towards a more digitalised system of operating both in the management and delivery of academic systems”, he stated. He was hopeful the partnership will meet its intended purpose.
Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost, College of Humanities, in brief remarks noted that the Project sits well with the University and the College of Humanities’ strategic plans and objectives. He mentioned that it is an opportunity to bring on board a vast array of different disciplines to work. Prof. Ofori reiterated the University of Ghana’s decision to focus more on internationalisation, not only to receive but to also give. He gave the assurance and expressed hope in the partnership and implementation of the Project.
Prof. Dr. Maximilian Mayer, Bonn University and Prof. Dr. Ralph Weber, Basel University introduced the team from both sides and gave a brief background to the Katekisama Project. They were excited about the mutual benefits that all three Universities will derive from the Project. Prof. Mayer shared three major peculiarities about the Project and noted their desire to have a regular rotating system for teaching staff of partner universities. “By this, the students have an in-person teaching experience, but we don’t fly thirty, forty or fifty students around. We fly the teaching staff around”, he explained.
Dr. Amoah in brief remarks indicated that the Project will offer several opportunities to the University of Ghana. “This is a wide ranging variegated sized opportunity”, he said. Dr. Amoah took all present through the types of research the Project deals with. He expressed confidence in the Project providing openings for the University of Ghana together with Bonn and Basel Universities to play on their strengths and deal with their weakness.
Mrs. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director, Public Affairs Directorate, thanked the delegation for calling on the University of Ghana and assured the delegates of a successful project with the UG Team.
