The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Asian-African Consortium (AAC), a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies, to conduct research aimed at boosting rice, maize, and soya production in Ghana. The partnership seeks to identify areas of collaboration between the parties, develop a plan for collaborative operations, and detail the scope and principles of engagement to achieve food efficiency in the country.
At the signing ceremony, the CEO of Asian-African ,Mrs. Adelaide Araba Siaw Agyepong, noted that the agreement would enable AAC to collaborate with UCC research institutes across Ghana to deepen research and development for social change and address challenges to economic growth and development. She further stated that the partnership would facilitate the establishment of a research and development consortium comprising business, crop science, technology, agriculture engineering, and chemical-engineering as a standing committee to advise on the full value-chain for rice, maize, soya, and the production of other staples.
Mrs. Siaw Agyepong emphasised that the partnership is crucial for increasing collaboration and boosting Ghana’s economy. She noted that the AAC’s integrated rice project aims to make Ghana self-sufficient in rice production, resulting in significant economic benefits for the country. Additionally, the partnership will establish a seedling centre for the commercial production of seedlings for sale to farmers.
Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, Vice Chancellor-University of Cape Coast, reiterated that the university has specialised training for students to become entrepreneurs and self-sufficient, creating jobs for others. He lamented that despite Ghana’s abundant resources and arable land, the country still imports food that it can produce locally. The university is fully behind the project, he stressed, and has acquired 450 acres of land for agricultural purposes.
Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, noted that agriculture and research must go hand-in-hand to ensure Ghana derives its full benefits. He encouraged the university to develop seedlings that can withstand Ghanaian conditions and produce the needed yields for maximum benefit.
BY :AGRIWATCH REPORTER
