The Department of Soil Science has opened a new Soil Museum in honour of late Prof. Daniel Okae-Anti at a ceremony held at the A. G. Carson Technology Village.

The museum which has a collection of soil and rock samples from all regions across Ghana and some West African countries was sponsored by Mrs. Christie Okae-Anti, wife of late Prof. Daniel Okae-Anti

Explaining the rationale for the establishment of the museum, a former Head of Department of Soil Science, Prof. P.K Kwakye, said it was Prof. Okae-Anti’s vision to create a Soil Museum in UCC that would transform into a Centre where people of diverse background especially from Africa to learn about the types of soil from different countries in the world.

Prof. Moses Jojo Eghan being assisted by Mrs. Christie Okae-Anti to open the Soil Museum. Behind them is Prof. Kwame Agyei Frimpong

He indicated that the Museum would help to improve knowledge and application of soil science for agriculture purposes to increase food yield and ensure food sufficiency.

“Unfortunately, Prof. Okae-Anti did not live to see this vision becoming a reality. However, his family has fulfilled this vision and we know that our Professor is happy wherever he finds himself now” Prof. Kwakye added.

Mrs. Christie Okae-Anti on her part expressed appreciation to Management of the University for the opportunity to honour her late husband with the museum. She said the museum was very dear to the heart of his husband and it was proper that she supported the Department to create such a memorial to provide a range of information on soil samples and data for education and research purposes.

Samples of soil at the museum

She pleaded with the Department to take good care of the facility to achieve its intended purpose, adding “this is one of the legacies of my late husband I cherish so please keep the place in good shape”.

In his remarks at the ceremony, the Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CANS), Prof. Moses Jojo Eghan, was grateful to  Mrs. Okae-Anti for providing financial support to the Department to immortalise Prof. Okae-Anti for his role in the University.