A team from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) TAGDev 2.0 Programme has embarked on a collaborative visit to its partner institutions in the Northern and Bono regions of Ghana.

The partner institutions are University for Development Studies (UDS) and the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR).

The UCC TAGDev 2.0 Programme is partnering with these two universities in Ghana, some selected Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) institutions and Departments of Agriculture in the Central, Volta, Bono and Northern regions to implement the programme.

The UCC TAGDev 2.0 team with the UDS partners 

This partnership aims to empower the youth to drive inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient socio-economic development in their communities.

During an interaction with members of the Faculty of Agriculture in the two universities, the Coordinator of UCC TAGDev 2.0 Programme, Prof. Festus Annor-Frempong noted that the programme was a collaboration between RUFORUM and Mastercard Foundation, the Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for Agricultural and life Sciences (GCHERA) and 12 African universities.

Prof. Annor-Frempong noted that programme sought to strengthen universities and TVET institutions to better serve communities by skilling and empowering Africa’s young people and their institutions to drive inclusive, equitable and climate-resilient transformation of agriculture and agrifood systems.

He indicated that as part of the partnership arrangement, UDS and UENR were expected to work with three Departments of Agriculture in selected district assemblies to expand work opportunities, improve on the skills and entrepreneurial opportunities for innovation, jobs and wealth creation targeting young people. He gave the assurance that UDS would collaborate with the TAGDev 2.0 team and continue to strengthen the collaboration to empower the youth in the districts under its jurisdiction.

Prof. Annor-Frempong also mentioned that the programme would offer scholarship opportunities for your young African students that are economically disadvantaged but academically competent to access university education. He announced that the scholarship was opened to both female and male applicants, however,  females, refugees, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities would be encouraged to apply.

The UCC TAGDev 2.0 team and UDS officials with staff of the Tolon District Department of Agriculture

Speaking at the forum at UDS, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Sciences, UDS, Nyankpala campus, Prof. Terry Ansah, said the UDS team together with its partners was well positioned to contribute their quota towards the success of the programme in the Northern Region of Ghana. 

Prof. Terry Ansah speaking at the forum

In the Northern region, UDS in partnership with the Department of Agriculture in the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly, Tolon District Assembly, and Kumbungu District Assembly are expected to focus on the expansion of the value chain and production of tomato and other vegetables and yam.

At UENR, the Dean of the School of Agriculture and Technology, Prof. John K. M. Kuwornu, and Registrar, Dr. Georgina Asi Owusu welcomed the team. Prof. Kuwornu was excited about the visit and indicated that UENR was looking forward to execute their share of the programme. He said they have facilities and the required expertise to work with the selected districts under its scope to achieve the set targets.

The UCC TAGDev 2.0 team with faculty from UENR

On the part of the University of Energy and Natural Resources, in conjunction with the Departments of Agriculture in Sunyani West Municipal Assembly, Dormaa Central Municipal Assembly and Berekum West District Assembly will be empowering young people to expand the cultivation and value chain for tomato and other vegetables, pineapple and cassava.

Also, the University of Energy and Natural Resources is collaborating with the Departments of Agriculture in Sunyani West Municipal Assembly, Dormaa Central Municipal Assembly, and Berekum West District Assembly. This initiative aims to empower young people to enhance the cultivation and value chain for tomatoes, vegetables, pineapples, and cassava.

The UCC TAGDev 2.0 team with the Director and staff of the Department of Agriculture, Sunyani West Municipal Assembly

The UCC TAGDev 2.0 team also conducted a needs assessment of the Departments of Agriculture in these assemblies, with the aim of providing targeted support to empower youth, particularly women, within the agricultural value chain.

The UCC TAGDev 2.0 team with some staff of the Department of Agriculture, Dormaa Municipal Assembly

The team from UCC TAGDev 2.0 team included: Programmes Associate, Dr. Zakiru Shaibu; Head of Business Development and Entrepreneurship, Mrs. Victoria Tuffour and Accountant Mrs. Susan Adjei.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC