Industry–Academia Partnership Strengthened as UG, MTN Ghana Advance Plans for Agricultural Innovation and Youth Empowerment

A team from MTN Ghana and the MTN Ghana Foundation paid a courtesy call on Management of the University of Ghana to discuss strategic areas of collaboration and mutual partnership, particularly in agriculture, youth empowerment and innovation. The discussions focused on leveraging the University’s resources and expertise to support the development and impact of the Vegetable Hub of Excellence.

The delegation was welcomed by the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. Felix A. Asante, who highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between classroom learning and hands-on practice. He noted that partnerships like this are central to advancing the University’s strategic priorities, which aim to improve research, innovation, student training and sustainable resource mobilisation. 

Prof. Asante invited MTN Ghana and its partners to leverage UG’s talent pool and institutional resources to enhance collaborative initiatives that can translate research into practical solutions for industry and communities.

Prof. David Dodoo-Arhin, Director of the Research and Innovation Directorate (RID), explained how the Directorate drives UG’s research and innovation agenda through six units supporting faculty and student research. He stated that the ecosystem of the Directorate ensures that research outputs are translated into tangible, data-driven applications and expressed optimism that the Vegetable Hub of Excellence would provide students with practical agripreneurial and technology-driven skills relevant to Ghana’s food sector.

Prof. Eric Nartey, Dean of the School of Agriculture, emphasised the commitment of the School to equipping students with both local and international practical training opportunities to strengthen Ghana’s agricultural workforce. He noted that the Hub is designed to train students, young entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in modern vegetable production techniques, digital farming and sustainable practices, preparing them for careers as agripreneurs. He said, “The Hub is open to training a wide range of participants, from university students to youth and farmers, enabling them to gain hands-on experience that can improve productivity and food security in the country.”

Speaking on behalf of the MTN Ghana Foundation Board, Mr. Samuel Koranteng highlighted the Foundation’s 18-year impact in national development and youth empowerment. He described the Hub as a model that can be replicated nationwide, with the potential to enhance productivity, food security and employment opportunities. Mr. Koranteng reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to integrating digital tools and modern farming technologies into agriculture.

Madam Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, emphasised the Foundation’s openness to engaging additional partners to ensure sustainability and broader impact. She noted that the initiative aligns with MTN’s strategy to promote inclusivity while creating opportunities for youth employment and agripreneurship.

Mr. Kwasi Etu-Bonde, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Food and Agriculture and National Coordinator for the Feed Ghana Programme, praised the project as an important national initiative. He underscored the Ministry’s support for partnerships that advance skills development, youth empowerment and sustainable agriculture. He was hopeful the new project will achieve its intended purpose and contribute to the Feed Ghana Project, which the School of Agriculture has subscribed to as a partner. 

Senior Lecturer at the Department of Crop Science, Dr. Naa Lamle Amissah, highlighted the project’s significance in providing hands-on learning experiences for students, noting that it equips them with practical skills in modern vegetable production, digital farming technologies and sustainable agricultural practices, preparing them for careers as agripreneurs and innovators in Ghana’s food sector.

Mr. Charles Agyemang, UG Alumus, Co-Founder and General Manager of Defarmacist Group Limited, shared insights from a study tour to Israel that informed the development of the Centre and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to apply international lessons to improve Ghana’s food systems through technology.

Also present at the meeting were Mrs. Barbara Blankson, Administrator of the School of Agriculture; Mr. Michael K.A.D. Gbewornyo, MTN Ghana Internal Audit and Forensics; Mr. Joseph A. Dotse from MTN Ghana; Ms. Cynthia Mills, Economic Empowerment Advisor at the MTN Ghana Foundation and Ms. Pascaline Songsore from the UG Public Affairs Directorate.