Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu (right) exchanging the MOU with Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong
The University of Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) aimed at establishing a Research Chair in Petroleum Geoscience at the University.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu explained that the MOU is aimed at strengthening Petroleum Geoscience research, capacity building and supporting the optimal exploration, delineation and development of Ghana’s hydrocarbon resources.
Professor Oduro Owusu mentioned that the Chair will not only facilitate the sustainable development of the nation’s hydrocarbon deposits but also provide a reference point for developing similar technical capacity in Africa.
He indicated that this agreement ties in with one of the University’s strategic priorities which relates to partnerships and collaborations. The Vice-Chancellor added that the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) was established to bridge the gap between academia and industry. He emphasized the University’s commitment to the MOU in order to make its vision a reality.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu speaking at the signing ceremony
Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GNPC, mentioned that Ghana’s off-shore basin had lots of hydrocarbon potentials hence the need for advancement in technology to harness these potentials. He indicated that GNPC Foundation, the CSR arm of the Corporation, seeks to contribute to society using three main pillars; Economic Empowerment, Education and Training and Environment and Social Amenities. Dr. Koduah Sarpong added that in order to enhance growth, there is the need to build industry’s capacity. This has resulted in GNPC Foundation giving scholarships to approximately 900 tertiary students nationwide. He encouraged the University to communicate any special need necessary to make the Chair successful. He hinted that GNPC has commenced the construction of a $30 million state-of-the-art research and technology laboratory for Geosciences and related areas which would require strong collaborations between GNPC and various tertiary institutions.
Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong making some remarks at the signing ceremony
Professor Daniel Asiedu, Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences mentioned that although this was not the first of such collaboration between the University and GNPC, the signing of this MOU has been long awaited. He added that the initiation of such collaboration birthed the Petrol Geoscience Project eight years ago resulting in some experts from GNPC teaching students. According to the Provost, the University is very committed and has lecturers knowledgeable in the area of Geoscience. He added that the chair would also help the University in running its graduate programmes in Geoscience as students would be able to generate primary data instead of using secondary data.
Professor Daniel Asiedu, Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences speaking at the ceremony
The Head of the Earth Science Department, Professor Sandow M. Yidana, in his remarks, expressed excitement and assured all parties involved of the Department’s commitment to seeing to the success of the Petroleum Chair. He indicated that the Department has over the years engaged in cutting edge research projects and its graduates can be found in internationally recognized institutions including GNPC. He added that signing the MOU was an opportunity to further such research and pledged to support the Chair through sourcing additional funds both externally and internally.
Professor Sandow M. Yidana, Head of Department for Earth Sciences
Present at the ceremony was Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, Registrar of the University, Prof. Patrick Ayeh-Kumi, Provost, College of Health Science, Prof. Samuel Agyei-Mensah, Provost, College of Humanities, Prof. Michael Tagoe, Provost, College of Education, Prof. Kingsford Adaboh, Acting Dean of the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, College Secretary, College of Basic and Applied Sciences.
Other officials of GNPC present at the signing ceremony was Ms. Matilda Ohene, General Manager (Administration) and Secretary to the GNPC Board of Directors, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and a Board Member, Dr. Kwame Baah-Nuakoh General Manager (Sustainability), Dr. Patrick Ofori, Manager (Sustainability), Mr. Eric Pwadura, Deputy Corporate Affairs Manager and Mr. Ato Kobbie from the Media Unit.
Group photograph after the signing ceremony
