Officials pose for a picture after the signing of the MoU
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the University of Ghana and A.P Oak Foundation for the training of graduates of tertiary institutions in Agribusiness. The MoU was signed by Prof. Daniel Asiedu, Provost, College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS) on behalf of the University of Ghana. The initiative dubbed “Graduate in Agribusiness” (GiA), is expected to reduce graduate unemployment by training graduates in vegetable and livestock production.
The Livestock and Poultry Research Centre (LIPREC) is the specific Unit of the School of Agriculture championing this collaboration. Oak Foundation will leverage on the expertise of staff and facilities at LIPREC for the training and will also support LIPREC in infrastructure development. The collaboration is expected to lead to the development of other innovative and relevant training programmes of mutual benefit.
The Oak Foundation team was led by Ms. Portia Agyei Yeboah, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Oak Foundation. Present at the signing of the MoU was Prof. Daniel B. Sarpong, Dean of the School of Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, College Secretary, Dr. E. C. Timpong-Jones, Head of LIPREC and Mr. E. Budu-Biney, Coordinator of the Leventis Farmers Training programme.
Subsequently, Oak Foundation held a seminar on 12th February, 2020 at the WACCBIP conference hall to interact with a cross section of tertiary students and graduates. The objective of the seminar which was themed “Exploring Agribusiness Opportunities for Youth Development-Prospects in Horticulture Value Chain” was to encourage tertiary students and graduates to take up Agribusiness as a means of livelihood. Resource persons at the seminar included: Mrs. Sheila Assibey-Yeboah, Manager of HortiFresh Company; Mr. Selorm Agudu, Managing Director of Urban Jungle Agro; Mr. Abeeku Whyte, Managing Director of The Farmers Market and Dr. E.C. Timpong-Jones. Present at the seminar was Prof. Daniel Asiedu, Provost of CBAS and Dr. Augustine Tawiah, Member of Parliament for Bia West Constituency.
The Livestock and Poultry Research Centre (LIPREC) was established to conduct research to enhance sustainable and profitable production of livestock and poultry in Ghana. Its vision is to be a Centre of excellence for research and training of students, agricultural professionals and farmers to solve the problems of livestock and poultry production in Ghana. The Centre’s mission is to conduct research into livestock and poultry for the advancement of Ghana’s agriculture and to offer practical training to students, agricultural professionals and farmers for cost-effective and sustainable livestock production.
From Right to Left 1. Dr. E.C. Timpong-Jones 2. Mrs Sheila Assibey-Yeboah 3. Honourable Dr. Augustine Tawiah 4. Ms Portia Agyei Yeboah 5. Mr Albert k. Eliason 6. Mr. Abeeku Whyte