Revolutionizing Tertiary Education: Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and Korean Delegation Unveil Dynamic Partnership for UESD Bunso Site Reactivation
Accra-Ghana – January 12, 2024.
In a landmark meeting held at the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) headquarters, the Director-General, Ahmed Jinapor, and his distinguished team welcomed a high-profile delegation from Yonsei University in Korea and representatives from the Ministry of Education. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a collaboration that promises to reshape the landscape of tertiary education in Ghana.
The esteemed Korean delegation, led by Professor Dogwon Ahm of Yonsei University, included renowned figures such as Prof. Mooha Lee, Prof. Pyeong Jun Yu, Prof. Chang Soo Kim, and Prof.
J. S. Kim. Seul Bin Joung from YONSET and Prof. Younghwan Park from Hanyang University also joined the delegation, bringing a wealth of expertise.
On the Ghanaian side, the meeting was attended by Prof. Yayra Dzakadzui (DDG), Prof. Mohammed Salifu, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson (VC of UESD, Somanya), Mr. Anthony Debre,
Mr. Jerry Sarfo, and Mr. Charles Mbeah. Representatives from the Ministry of Education included Susan Kuffour (Development Consultant), Prof. Mark Adom Asamoah (STEM Policy Advisor), and Mr. Nii Quacoo Pome (Head FPMU-MOE).
The focal point of discussion was the significant support offered by the Korean Exim Bank for the reactivation of the UESD Bunso site. Yonsei University, serving as the overall project consultant, expressed its commitment to the project's success.
During the meeting, it was revealed that the contractor is gearing up to mobilize resources and will be on-site next week. The ambitious plan is to finalize substantial works by the end of the year, with the official handover anticipated in June 2025. The discussions centered around strategizing the execution of this plan effectively.
One key highlight of the collaboration is the proposal by Yonsei University to contribute to the development of the curriculum. With 12 professors ready to assist, the aim is to enhance the industry-academia relationship and foster cooperation between the institutions. To facilitate this, it was agreed that GTEC would assemble a technical team to collaborate closely with their Korean counterparts.
The participants acknowledged that the success of this partnership goes beyond physical infrastructure. The emphasis was placed on delving into the intricacies of the university's development, encompassing aspects beyond buildings and curricula.
In a collective agreement, it was decided that a comprehensive review of all activities undertaken before the Koreans left the site and the campus would be essential. This holistic approach ensures that the collaboration between GTEC, Yonsei University, and the Ministry of Education is not just transformative but sustainable in the long run.
As Ghana takes strides towards a new era in tertiary education, this collaboration stands as a testament to the power of international partnerships in shaping the future of academia. The journey is not only about constructing buildings but about constructing a collaborative and knowledge driven foundation for the generations to come.