University of Ghana Signs MoU with Ghana Standards Authority

Prof. Samuel Kwame Offei, Pro-Vice Chancellor (ASA) , (left)  exchanging the memorandum with Prof. Alex Dodoo, Director General, Ghana Standards Authority (right)

The University of Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to formalize an already existing partnership between the two institutions.

Giving an overview of the relationship that has existed between the University of Ghana and the Ghana Standards Authority, Prof. Sandow M. Yidana, Dean, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (SPMS) noted that the Ghana Standards Authority has over the years supported the University of Ghana in numerous research projects and also offered internship opportunities for students of the University to promote research. He was hopeful that this formal partnership will inure to the mutual benefit of the two institutions.

Prof. Samuel Kwame Offei 

Prof. Samuel Kwame Offei, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs (ASA) in brief remarks, commended the Ghana Standards Authority for the efforts made to formalize the relationship. He indicated that, one of the strategic priorities of the University is to create a vibrant intellectual climate that stimulates relevant cutting edge research and community engagement and and was elated that the University had decided to partner with GSA in this direction.

Prof. Offei acknowledged that the increase in student population without a corresponding increase in industry partnership/collaboration has made it difficult for students to secure placements for internship programmes.  He said partnering with relevant organisations like the Ghana Standards Authority will afford students the opportunity to acquire some level of work experience and the requisite skills needed for the job market.

In addition to securing internship opportunities for students, Prof. Offei noted that the MoU will promote research and consultancy services, educational tours for faculty and students, joint public fora to educate the public on research findings and any other activities mutually agreed by both parties.

Prof. Alex Dodoo giving remarks

In his remarks, the Director General of the Ghana Standards Authority, Prof. Alex Dodoo expressed appreciation to the University for accepting to have a formal working relationship with the Authority.

He noted that bridging the gap between academia and industry has been a major challenge over the years, coupled with the unavailability of instruments to conduct research. He was hopeful that the collaboration will lead to job creation as well as cutting edge research that meet international standards considering the vast number of researchers in the University. He entreated the University to provide opportunities for workers in the industry to pursue PhD programmes in a bid to finding solutions to the issues confronting the country.

Prof. Dodoo disclosed that measurement as a factor plays a key role in the industry, since the slightest change in measurement could affect the final product. He said that there were local standards for determining the weight and measurement of items like plantain chips, sobolo, hausa  koko, maize, okra, oil and gas, etc. The collaboration will therefore facilitate the dissemination of certain critical changes that occur in the field to enable the University meet international standards.

In a brief statement, Prof. Daniel Asiedu, Provost, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, (CBAS) emphasised that students must be able to relate what they learn in the lecture halls to real life. He encouraged the Ghana Standards Authority to help in experimental teaching and delivery of programmes at the industry level.

Professor Samuel Kwame Offei, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs and Professor Sandow M. Yidana, Dean, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences signed on behalf of the University while Professor Alex Dodoo, the Director General of GSA, signed for the Authority.

Members of the University present at the ceremony were Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, College Secretary, College of Basic and Applied Sciences; Mrs. Stella A. Amoa, Director of Public Affairs, Prof. Kwabena Doku-Amponsah, Head, Department of Statistics & Actuarial Science; Prof. Patrick Sakyi, Head, Department of Earth Science; Dr. Louis Doamekpor, Head, Department of Chemistry; Dr. Jamal- Deen Abdulai, Head, Department of Computer Science; Dr. Benoit Sehba, Head, Department of Mathematics; Dr. Samuel Atarah, Head, Department of Physics; Ms Mawuena Abortta, School Administrator, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Mrs. Mavis Osafo Adu and Mrs. Joanna Omaboe both Assistant Registrars at the Public Affairs Directorate.

Officials from GSA present at the signing ceremony were Mr. Steve Poku Kwateng, Deputy Director General (Strategy), Mr. P.I.K. Arthur, Director (Certification), and Ms. Barbara Apefa Wuttor, Head, Legal Department.

 

A photograph of officials present after the event