KOICA signs Record of Discussion agreement with the University of Ghana
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has entered into a Record of Discussion with the University of Ghana to construct a modern ICT facility under a Project to Establish the Ghana-Korea Centre of Excellence for ICT-Based Startups and Asian Research (GK-IMPACT)
The Agency aims at fostering national development through ICT innovation.
Advertisement
The event which was held on April 26, 2022, at the New Council Chamber Registry was attended by the Korea Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Jung-Taek Lim, the Country Director for KOICA-Ghana, Mr. Mooheon Kong, the Vice-Chancellor for the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Amfo, the Provost (College of Humanities), Professor Daniel Ofori, representatives from UNICEF among several other dignitaries.
The Ghana-Korea Centre of Excellence which will be situated on the campus of the University of Ghana will be funded by KOICA with at a cost of USD 9,000,000.00. The edifice will be constructed between 2022 and 2025. Among other things, the facility is expected to be the hub for establishing startup incubating programs and hosting Korea-Ghana business conferences. The Operations of the Business Startup Incubation Centre will be coordinated by UNICEF through MEST Africa.
The joint initiative is in line with the Government of Ghana's priority to create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for the youth as part of the country’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery. It will also contribute to the SDG's Goal 8, which focuses on promoting sustained and inclusive economic growth and productive employment for all.
Speaking at the event, The Korean Ambassador to Ghana H.E. Jung-Taek Lim, stated that the Project to Establish the Ghana-Korea Centre of Excellence for ICT-Based Startups and Asian Research (GK-IMPACT) is a meaningful project which would contribute to furthering the cooperative relationship between Korea and Ghana.
He was hopeful that the establishment of the Center will effectively make Ghana a hub for deepening understanding of Asia, in particular Korea’s unique and inspiring history of economic growth underpinned by cutting-edge technological advancements and innovation.
He stated that the Republic of Korea will provide support for the implementation of the GK-IMPACT Project, thereby ensuring that the Centre becomes a world-class knowledge-sharing hub and platform for intercollegiate exchange and promotion of Korean culture and best practices.
As part of his speech, the Country Director for KOICA, Mr Mooheon Kong stated that the Project to Establish the Ghana-Korea Centre of Excellence for ICT-Based Start-Ups and Asian Research (GK-IMPACT) resonates with the Vice Chancellor’s vision of enhancing experiences of stakeholders of the University including students through digitalization.
KOICA believes that GK-IMPACT will function as a hub for digital transformation and will be pivotal in raising future ICT entrepreneurs to lead the socio-economic development for Ghana. He further pledged KOICA’s unwavering support for the University as far as the initiative was concerned.
Vice-Chancellor
Speaking at the event, the vice-chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Amfo, expressed excitement about the successful signing of the Agreement between the Ghana-Korea Centre of Excellence for ICT-Based Start-Ups and the Centre for Asian Studies (GK-IMPACT).
She said the GK-IMPACT will certainly provide the opportunity and a stimulating environment for realizing the mandate of Centre for Asian Studies (CAS) as well as making the University of Ghana a hub for building vibrant start-ups in the ICT sector.
She adds that the generous $9million grant will allow the University of Ghana to synchronize two critical areas of interest: Digitalisation and Asian Studies.
Prof. Amfo also commended the contributions of former Korean Ambassadors to Ghana, H. E. Lyeo Woon-Ki and H.E. Kim as well as former officials of the University and current officials, such as Provost Prof. Dan Ofori and Director Llyod Amoah for nurturing the GK-IMPACT idea.
