As part of the Irish National Day celebration officially known as Saint Patrick’s Day, Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Sean Fleming, led a delegation to meet with UG Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo at the University of Ghana. Both parties stressed the importance of education and potential partnerships in areas of health, communication, agriculture, technology among others.
In opening the meeting, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar of the University of Ghana, provided an overview of the University’ structure, emphasising the importance of the collegiate system as well as the University’s role in contributing to national and global development.
Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar of the University of Ghana
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, in her remarks, extended a special welcome to the visiting delegation. She acknowledged the fact that the visit was prioritised as part of the Saint Patrick’s Day, which is the official Irish National Day celebration.
As a means for finding similar areas of interest, Prof. Amfo outlined the seven (7) research priorities of the University which are; Infectious and non-communicable diseases; Enhancing food production and processing including improved approaches to breeding; Trans-disciplinary Research into Climate Change Adaptation; Development Policy, Poverty Monitoring and Evaluation; Politics, Socio-cultural change, Mobility and Development; Creative Arts, Education and Communication, and Information Literacy; and Fourth Industrial Revolution tools (Artificial Intelligence, data science, machine learning, digital transformation, etc.) She reiterated that partnerships in these research areas are critical for national and global development.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo (Right)
In his remarks, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Ireland, Sean Fleming, underscored the pivotal role of education in national and global development. According to him, Ireland places high value on education and has taken deliberate steps to ensure a highly educated workforce. He pointed out the positive impact of education on Ireland's standard of living and echoed the country's prioritisation of education, recognising it as the key to the future. This, in his view, calls for the need to have good cooperation and diverse exchanges between Ireland and Ghana as well as across the broader African continent.
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Ireland, Sean Fleming
Ambassador Peter Ryan, the Ambassador of Ireland to Ghana, Nigeria and ECOWAS, reinforced the conversation by spotlighting the impact of Ireland’s educational system on their economics. He noted that a key feature of Ireland’s education is international connectivity. He believes that a strong bond and collaboration in areas of technology, agriculture, biotechnology and other disciplines will not only strengthen the ties but improve development both at the local and global levels. Ambassador Ryan also looks forward to joint research projects between University of Ghana and Irish Universities.
Ambassador Peter Ryan, the Ambassador of Ireland to Ghana, Nigeria and ECOWAS
The Dean of International Programmes, Prof. Eric Osei-Assibey, highlighted the shared history between Ireland and Ghana stemming from their affiliation with Britain, while also underlining the significance of broadening collaboration with European universities. He stressed the importance of the European Region Action Schemes for the Mobility of University Students (ERASMUS+) programme as a primary driver of academic mobility. Prof. Osei-Assibey asserted that both parties must make a concerted effort to expand student exchanges across various disciplines to capitalise on the mutual strengths.
Dean of International Programmes, Prof. Eric Osei-Assibey
Prof. Emmanuel Debrah, Director for Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD) affirmed the importance of inter-state relations. He stated that LECIAD, sharing the same goals of international connectivity serves as a platform for training foreign service personnel. Prof. Debrah reiterated UG’s openness and eagerness to cultivate partnerships with Ireland.
Prof. Emmanuel Debrah, Director for Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD)
There were general discussions among both parties concerning the overview and the structural outline of the University of Ghana and the universities in Ireland. These discussions led to similar findings and cultural acceptance in areas of communication and arts, among others.
In his closing remarks, the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, noted that the meeting serves as a gateway for further discussions, research and partnerships. He articulated that collaboration between the University of Ghana and Ireland will establish a niche for success stories.
Following the discussions, both parties exchanged branded gifts.
Also present at the meeting were Dr. Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director of Public Affairs; Mrs. Arhizah Blay-Abiti, Senior Assistant Registrar, Office of the Vice-Chancellor; Mr. Michael Gaffey; Director General of International Development and Diaspora, as well as other representatives from the Irish Embassy.
