(L-R) Prof. C. Charles Mate-Kole, His Royal Majesty, Nene Sakite II, and Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has led a delegation from the University to pay a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty, Nene Sakite II, the Konor of Manya Krobo Traditional Council and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs.
The purpose of the visit was to congratulate His Royal Majesty, Nene Sakite II, on the celebration of the silver jubilee of his rule and to discuss the collaboration between the University, through the Soil and Irrigation Research Centre (SIREC), and the Manya Krobo Traditional Council.
In extending a warm welcome to the University of Ghana delegation, His Royal Majesty, Nene Sakite II, indicated his preparedness to strengthen the long-standing ties between the two institutions, to advance their common interests. He emphasised that the success of the partnership is dependent on a cordial connection in which both parties communicate in a courteous and understanding manner.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo in a handshake with His Royal Majesty Nene Sakite II
In order to give farmers in the Manya Krobo Traditional Area first-hand knowledge of field technology they can apply to their advantage, His Royal Majesty Nene Sakite II implored theUniversity to share their research findings with the residents of the Traditional Area. He also urged the University to be cordial in its working relationship with the Traditional Council, as well as ensure that the impact of the established bond is felt among members of the community, to gain the endorsement and buy-in of his people.
In her remarks, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, conveyed her appreciation to His Royal Majesty, Nene Sakite II, for the warm reception accorded the delegation. She also congratulated His Royal Majesty on attaining an important milestone on the throne. “We are here this morning to visit you, congratulate you on your 25th anniversary and the launch of your book”, she noted.
Some members of the UG delegation
The Vice-Chancellor additionally pointed out that the Manya Krobo Traditional Council is an essential partner to the University in terms of agricultural research and activities and reiterated the University's commitment to strengthen existing ties with the Council. “The University is set out to teach, train, research and engage the community, so what you are asking is perfectly in line with our fundamental mandate as a University. This is just a reminder to us that, as we do our research, we should remember that we have a mandate to train, and, in this case, to train the people in the community where we are working from so that they feel our impact”, she noted.
Prof. C. Charles Mate-Kole, a Professor at the Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, member of the Vice-Chancellor’s delegation and a member of the Manya Krobo Royal Family, on his part, expressed that the University is proud to have a partnership with the Council and hoped that the visit would be a fruitful beginning of greater things to come.
He also congratulated His Royal Majesty, Nene Sakite II, on his silver jubilee anniversary and the recent publication of his book, "The Gospel and Tradition: The Royal Narrative."
His Royal Majesty, Nene Sakite II, with his aides
Further discussions took place regarding the formalities of a standing agreement relating to agricultural collaboration between the University of Ghana and the Manya Krobo Traditional Council.
Present at the meeting were Prof. Akwasi Mensah-Bonsu, Head of the Department Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, School of Agriculture; Prof. Ken Okwae Fening, School of Agriculture; Mr. Samuel Amebley, Senior Assistant Registrar, Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS) at the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS); Mrs. Mavis Osafo Adu, Assistant Registrar, Public Affairs Directorate; Mr. Daniel Osei Wereko, Vice-Chancellor’s Office; Mr. John Adenaa Bawa, Office of the College Secretary, CBAS and other staff of the Soil and Irrigation Research Centre (SIREC).
Members of the Manya Krobo Traditional Council present were Elder Samuel Kofi Sackitey; Ofsami Kofi Osanyongmor; Ebenezer Nyako; Mr. E.A. Sackitey; Diasetse Kpabitey Kwao III and Mr. Eleazar Baah Sackitey.
