December 14, 2021

The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) has engaged stakeholders on a proposed Postgraduate programme (MSc, MPhil, Ph.D.) on Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) at a workshop held on December 10, 2021, at Mensvic Hotel in Accra.

The workshop aimed at deliberating on the University’s contribution to Land Degradation and its related areas through academic programmes, which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 15; and the commitment of world leaders to collectively work, halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030.

Giving his remarks, the Dean of International Relations Office and one of the Co-Chairs of GEO LDN, Prof. Amos T. Kabobah, mentioned that the academic programme seeks to build the capacity of young professionals to enable them to collect and interpret data relating to land degradation issues in Ghana and beyond. He was optimistic that the programme would help restore deplorable lands  for sustainable development.

Dr. Abdul-Wadood Moomen his presentation said the curriculum design modeling for the postgraduate programme would be Subject, Learner and Problem centered on land degradation and sustainable land management. He added that professionals with industry experience and interest in agriculture, environmental protection among others would be drawn to pursue the progamme.

Prof. Amos T. Kabo-bah together with Dr. Jonas Ayaribilla Akugudu, Dr. David Anaafo at the Department of Planning and Sustainability, and Dr. Abdul-Wadood Moomen at the Department of Sustainable Mineral Resources convened the curriculum, which is under the School of Mines and Built Environment, Kenyasi Campus.

Group on Earth Observations, GIZ, and Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources Development sponsored the programme and in participation were the Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, Staff of other universities, representatives from government and tertiary regulatory institutions, and international organisations such as United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, and AfriGEO Secretariat who joined via zoom. The programme is expected to begin next academic year.

The Chief and people of Akyem Afosu and other Nine (9) Newmont Impacted Communities in the North Abirim District in the Eastern Region of Ghana have called on the Vice-Chancellor and Management of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani, to establish a campus in the Community.

This request was made when a delegation led by the Chief of Akyem Afosu, Nana Kofi Owusu Amoh visited the Vice-Chancellor to make their intention officially known to the University. According to Nana Amoh, the 10 Newmont Impacted Communities through the help of the Assembly and Newmont Ghana have built a facility that could be used for a University campus, hence the call on UENR to start their Akyem Campus with the already constructed building.

He further noted that the facility is built on 12 acres of land with two dormitories with a bed capacity of 120 each and washrooms; 12 units 45 seater story building classroom with offices, an administration block, a library, and any other facilities that will enhance research, teaching, and learning. There is also 500 acres of land available for future expansion.

In his response to the call, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako assured the delegation that the University in its capacity would ensure that request becomes a reality. He hinted that the University would start training programs in the facility while they initiate consultation with GTEC and other stakeholders.

Present at the meeting were the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adekoya Felix Adebayo, the Registrar, Mr. Solomon Panford Esq., APR and other management members.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako in his Special Initiative to position the University for Global Recognition, an online TV Channel; UENR TV, on YouTube would soon be in operation.

On December 8, 2021 the technical team for the channel briefed the University management at a meeting on the progress of work. The official logo, slogan, and proposed programmes for the TV Channel were out-doored for management’s consideration.

The Vice-Chancellor in a short speech applauded the team for enthusiastic efforts to make the TV Channel a reality. He urged all and sundry to subscribe to the UENR TV on YouTube.

UENR TV is an online channel that would broadcast educative programmes focused on research, innovation and creativity as well as official university events to serve the interest of all patrons.

Among other efforts to engage academia and industry, the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Sunyani has collaborated with Hollard Ghana Holdings to train and prepare students for the job market. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, and the Group CEO, Mrs. Patience Akyianu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the University Council Chamber on December 7, 2021.

In the 3-year agreement, UENR shall provide students from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics to access the Hollard’s Streetwise Finance programme, mentoring, and corporate experience among other benefits.

According to the Managing Director of Hollard Ghana Holdings, the partnership forms part of the Triple Win Corporate social responsibility to make an impact in training students for national development.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed his contentment to the team for making their visit yield a fruitful result. He called for sustainable and mutually beneficial collaboration between both institutions.

Other Management members present included the Registrar, Mr. Solomon Panford, Esq., Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adekoyor Felix Adekoya; Director of Finance, Mr. Albert Banan Abdulai; Director of Works, Ing. Christian Yeboah-Nuako, the University Lawyer, Mr. Jonathan Odartey, Esq. and; the Head of Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Dr. Sampson Takyi who spearhead the partnership. The agreement would take effect in January 2022.