Following their visit to the International Programmes Office on Tuesday April 8, 2025, a delegation, led by Mr. Michael Sudarkasa, CEO of Africa Business Group (ABG), an African economic development company, paid a visit to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Other members of the delegation included Mr. Alexander K. Duah (CEO) and Mr. George Arthur (Secretary) of Joyful Agro Services, a leading Agro and input adviser and solution provider in Ghana.
The delegation engaged with the leadership of CANR that comprised Professor Dadson Awunyo-Vitor, Provost of CANR; Professor Fred Nimoh, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture; Professor Robert Aidoo, Head, Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension; and Mrs. Ruth Bediako, Faculty Registrar, Faculty of Agriculture.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Sudarkasa highlighted that Africa Business Group, in collaboration with Joyful Agro Services, is committed to introducing innovative solutions to the agricultural sector in Ghana. He emphasised the significance of partnering with KNUST, noting that this collaboration will be central to the provision of internship opportunities for students of Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering at a new agricultural center being established by Joyful Agro Services near the ‘Abinkyi’ Market in Kumasi. This initiative aligns with ABG’s broader goals of fostering sustainable agricultural practices and strengthening the link between academia and industry.
The delegation was warmly received by Professor Awunor-Vitor and his leadership. He noted that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, KNUST is focused on bridging the gap between academia and industry. He added that as the Chairman for the Industrial Liaison Committee between Industry and Academia, he expressed his strong commitment to supporting initiatives that create impactful partnerships. He added that the focus of this future collaboration would be centered on research, hands-on training, and entrepreneurship, with an emphasis on promoting practical skills and professional readiness for students.
The discussions further explored opportunities for collaboration in agribusiness development, research partnerships and innovation, with a focus on providing students with hands-on learning experiences and contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector in Ghana.
Mrs. Yvonne Baiden, Senior Assistant Registrar at the International Programmes Office (IPO), assured the delegation of IPO’s support in facilitating the collaboration between the two parties, pending further discussions with the Management of the IPO.
Also present at the meeting were Mr. Livingstone Agbenorxevi, Assistant Collaborations and Partnerships Officer and Mr. Attah-Nyame Essampong, Visibility and Communications Officer, both at the IPO.
