The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), through its School of Agriculture and Technology at the Dormaa Campus, has opened the Ghana-China Luban Workshop, aimed at training youth in sustainable agriculture and creating employment opportunities in the Bono Region and beyond. The inauguration took place at the Okuafopa Agribusiness Centre in Kyeremasu, near Dormaa Ahenkro on Monday, May 20, 2024.
The state-of-the-art workshop is equipped with modern farming facilities, including combined harvesters, advanced sprayers, and ploughs, among other tools necessary for large-scale farming operations.
Dr. Kwabena Atakora, Project Lead and Lecturer in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Production, highlighted that the initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UENR, Liaoning Agricultural Technical College, the Ghana Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and TIAST West Africa. He emphasized that some of the farming equipment provided by the Chinese partners was partially assembled by trainees at the Centre, enhancing their practical skills.
Dr. Kwabena Atakora, Project Lead and Lecturer in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Production
Prof. Kwasi Nsiah-Gyabaah, Chairman of the University Council gracing the ceremony reaffirmed UENR’s commitment to training more graduates in the agricultural sector within the Bono Region and beyond. The Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, expressed pride in hosting and initiating this project, which is geared towards fostering youth involvement in agriculture, generating employment, and ensuring food security in Ghana. He noted that UENR’s interdisciplinary training approach ensures that students are well-prepared for the job market. Prof. Asare-Bediako reaffirmed the University’s dedication to making the project successful and sustainable and lauded the efforts of all stakeholders involved.
Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako
Representing the Chinese partners, Prof. Lige Wang, Director of International at Liaoning Agricultural Technical College, remarked that the collaboration would enhance vocational and technical training for young people, thereby improving their livelihoods and those of their families. He added that the workshop would also support the promotion of locally produced agricultural commodities such as cassava and grains. Prof. Wang expressed optimism about the mutually beneficial nature of this partnership.
Prof. Lige Wang, Director of International at Liaoning Agricultural Technical College
Prof. John K.M. Kuwornu, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Technology (SoAT) and Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor in his address expressed the School’s commitment in implementing the project. He disclosed that the SoAT facilitated transportation of the equipment from the Harbour to the workshop in Dormaa and made provision for lecture halls to aid in teaching and learning for students under the project. He was hopeful that the project would provide the youth with vocational skills for global competition, advance research and harness international collaboration.
Prof. John K.M. Kuwornu, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Technology (SoAT) and Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor
The opening ceremony was also graced by notable figures, including Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Agyeman, Dormaa East District Chief Executive; the Gyaasehene and traditional leaders of the Dormaa Traditional Council; and various staff members of the University.
The Vice-Chancellor and other participants inspecting the equipment at the workshop
This landmark project highlights an important step towards sustainable agricultural development and youth empowerment in Ghana, with the potential to create lasting economic and social impacts in the region
