Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Mochizuki Hisanobu has paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong.
The visit, according to the ambassador, would provide him an opportunity to familiarize himself with the University’s operations and also help strengthen the relationship between his government and the University of Cape Coast.
He expressed joy to be visiting the university adding that the “government of Japan is determined to support the university and expand, strengthen the cordial relationship between the two institutions”.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Boampong, who welcomed the delegation at the University’s Chamber Council remarked on the immense contribution being made by the Japanese government to the development of UCC and Ghana.
He noted that the visit was timely given that UCC is commemorating its 60th anniversary this year.
“When you are celebrating your 60th anniversary you need to involve your stakeholders and especially the people of Japan through the Japanese embassy here”
The vice chancellor, therefore, expressed confidence that the relationship between UCC and the Japanese government will continue to be advantageous to both parties.
He however advocated for initiatives to deepen ties between both parties.
To him, international collaborations with the universities in Japan must widen to enable Ghanaians to benefit from them as well.
The Vice-Chancellor also revealed UCC’s intention to start a biomedical and clinical research center in the university.
He said “They have opened up but the window is too small. We want you to widen it so that our students can go there and observe and learn for a short time. That exposure will be of help to students.”
To that end, he called on the Japanese Government to extend the partnership they have with the University of Ghana with UCC to begin a new research center there.
“In a way broadening the base for medical research in Ghana. We are also urging you to try and extend scholarship opportunities to your country.” He added.
Whiles sharing her personal experience with the Japanese government, the Deputy Director at the Directorate of research, innovation, and consultancy, Dr. Mrs. Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah stressed the need for the Japanese government to expand its efforts beyond academia to service provision to UCC and the country as a whole.
“The research aspect is there but also the service provision for the people of this community and this country. So I believe there is a lot more that we can do to deepen this relationship.” She said.
Ambassador Hisanobu was accompanied by the first secretary, Katsumura Akihisa, Project Coordinator for the Japanese Grants Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project, Mr. Obeng David Aboagye, Information and Cultural Assistant, Mr. Stanislaus Acquah among other officials.
Also present at the meeting were the Registrar of UCC, Mr. Jeff Teye Emmanuel Onyame, Dean of the office of international relations, Prof. Kweku Adutwum Ayim Boakye, Provost of the college of humanities and legal studies, Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng among other officials of the university.
Read also: C/R: GHAMRO REP secures win against Daddy Yoo of Cape FM
Source: Emmanuella Ama Gyamfi/ATLFMNEWS
