Ecobank Ghana PLC has donated 100 laptops to support the ‘One Student, One Laptop’ initiative, at a brief ceremony.
The donation, the first of the 300 laptops promised by the Bank, fulfils its commitment to sponsor the Vice-Chancellor's initiative to provide laptops to UG students, to facilitate effective learning and research.
In presenting the laptops, the Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana PLC, Mr. Daniel Sackey, acknowledged the advancements that have taken place in learning over the years and expressed confidence that the laptops will aid learning and research at the University.
Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana PLC, Mr. Daniel Sackey
“We identify with the ‘1 Student, 1 Laptop’ initiative because as a key financial institution in the country, we have seen how technology has changed the way we operate. Without a laptop, one would be unable to access information swiftly. Access to a laptop facilitates learning, so we would go to great lengths to assist those who are unable to pay for it, and we would make sure the appropriate individuals receive it,’ Mr. Sackey said.
He added that the Bank made an arrangement with the University of Ghana's Computer Science Department last year, with a pledge to sponsor the Best Student in Computer Science for the next five (5) years.
Mr. Sackey declared Ecobank’s resolve to fulfill their promise and added that they will continue to play a part in developing talents emerging from the University.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo in receiving the donation endorsed the support of Ecobank Ghana PLC in various ways and stressed that this gesture will strengthen the already existing partnership.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
‘I’m glad our visions are aligned. It is important to train our human resource so that they are ready for the world of work. When COVID-19 struck, I was Pro Vice-Chancellor (ASA). We had to go online and in spite of our best efforts, 90% of our students participated and tried their very best and about 10% were unable to participate either, due to lack of access to the appropriate gadgets or internet challenges that impeded their access to online teaching programmes. Some of these experiences serve as the inspiration for what our University is doing right now.”
The Chairman of the "One Student, One laptop" Committee, Prof. Peter Quartey, conveyed the Committee’s sincere gratitude to Ecobank for extending a helping hand to support the initiative. He announced that the first batch of the laptops were distributed to deserving students last year and noted the excitement with which students received the laptops.
Chairman of the "One Student, One laptop" Committee, Prof. Peter Quartey
Also present at the ceremony were Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs (ASA); Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar; Ms. Pascaline Songsore, Senior Assistant Registrar; Mr. John-Mark Bekui, Ag. GRASAG President; Mr. Martin Boakye, SRC President; other SRC representatives; Ms. Thelma Nartey, Marketing Manager, Ecobank Ghana PLC; Mr. Karl K. Anwti-Adjei, Branch Manager, Ecobank Ghana PLC, Legon; and Mr. Abraham Adu Kwarteng, Public Sector, CMB, Ecobank Ghana PLC.
