University of Leicester strikes health and education agreements with Ghana to work on shared goals
The Leicester delegation with University of Ghana officials.
The University of Leicester has strengthened its West African ties, with the support of the British High Commissioner, after entering a partnership with the University of Ghana and launching major health research into diabetes in Ghana.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Ghana formally recognises their existing relationship and will support collaborative working in criminology, sociology, law and health.
Leicester’s Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Henrietta O’Connor, signed the MoU at a special ceremony held on the University of Ghana’s campus, in the capital city of Accra, on Tuesday 28 April.
Guests at the University of Leicester Ghana alumni celebration.
The signing of the agreement was one of the highlights of a Leicester delegation’s week-long trip to Ghana and Nigeria, which saw Leicester colleagues engage with Christian Rogg, British High Commissioner to Ghana, Ghanaian Government Ministers, alumni, future students and partner organisations.
A key focus of the visit was the announcement of major health research findings in the Lancet, as part of an NIHR backed initiative led by Professor Samuel Seidu, Professor of Primary Care Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Medicine and Leicester academics, in collaboration with researchers in Ghana, to improve diabetes and cardiovascular care in sub-Saharan Africa. Find out more about the CREATE project on the website.
A number of high-profile government ministers from Ghana also met the delegation, including Hon Haruna Idrisu, Minister for Education, Hon Dr Dominic Ayine, Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Acting Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office, Raymond Archer. These policy meetings followed work undertaken by Dr Kofi Boakye, Associate Professor in Criminology, and the University to support the abolishment of the death penalty in Ghana.
The visit began with a teachers and counsellors conference, which was designed to build and strengthen relationships with both the participants and their school, enabling them to better guide their students and inform parents.
It also featured a celebration for those who have completed their education with the University of Leicester – a lunch held for alumni in Ghana. More than 70 guests attended the event, which also saw a number of Leicester’s West Africa-based partners attend.
Reflecting on the trip, Professor O’Connor said: “I am incredibly impressed with the growing links and partnerships between the University of Leicester and Ghana. From world-leading research, to partnerships with Ghana’s leading universities, to working with the Ghanaian government and its leaders to shape policy – we are committed to advancing education and research between our nations. It is truly inspirational to see how collaboration across continents can drive meaningful change in tackling health issues and supporting justice.
It was wonderful to spend time with our alumni, partners and friends from Ghana. Leicester has many connections in the country thanks to our dedicated graduates and our supporters. It was particularly pleasing to be able to give thanks to the contributions of our graduates who enriched the life of the University while studying with us, and are continuing to do so following graduation – they are a source of great pride for the University.”