The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) has entered into a partnership with Golden Exotics Limited (GEL), a leading producer of conventional and organic bananas company located in Asutsuare, in the Shai Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region in Ghana. The partnership, formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to foster collaboration between the two institutions in various areas of mutual interest. The signing ceremony, which took place at UESD’s campus, marks a crucial step in advancing sustainable practices and research initiatives that will benefit students, faculty, and staff.
Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson signed for UESD while the Managing Director and Vice President of Compagnie Fruitiere Group in Ghana, Mr. Olivier Chassang signed for GEL.
UESD, established by an Act of Parliament in 2015 and inaugurated in 2020 by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is committed to providing higher education and research focused on environmental sustainability and agro-business education. The University’s state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary approach enable it to offer quality education that promotes innovation and socio-economic development through environmentally sensitive practices.
He expressed the University’s eagerness to collaborate with institutions and individuals whose visions, missions, and goals align with those of the University. He assured the delegation of the University’s commitment to supporting the collaboration and handed the ongoing negotiations over to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah, who later presented a draft of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the delegation for further discussions.
In response, the Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Advisor for GEL, Mr. George Kporye, stated that the company is the leading producer of bananas and pineapples in Ghana, with a track record of over 20 years. It is also the leading exporter of horticultural products in Ghana.
Golden Exotics Limited, on the other hand, is a subsidiary of the Compagnie Fruitière Group, is one of the largest producers of bananas in Ghana. With over 4,000 employees, GEL cultivates more than 2,000 hectares of conventional and organic bananas annually, exporting primarily to Europe and West Africa. The company is certified by GlobalGap, Fairtrade, and the Rainforest Alliance, and is renowned for its commitment to environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. In addition to its core business, GEL has undertaken numerous community projects, including building schools, hospitals, and extending potable water to nearby communities.
The MoU outlines several key areas of cooperation that align with the goals of both institutions. These include:
Sustainable Agricultural Practices:The two institutions will collaborate on developing environmentally friendly and sustainable methods for producing and exporting fruits. This partnership is expected to enhance the agricultural sector’s contribution to Ghana’s economy while maintaining environmental integrity.
Joint Research Activities: UESD and GEL will engage in joint research initiatives aimed at improving agricultural practices, enhancing product quality, and exploring new fruit varieties. This research will not only benefit the agricultural sector but also provide valuable learning opportunities for students and faculty at UESD.
Professional Development: Both institutions will collaborate on professional development programs for staff and students, allowing for knowledge exchange and skill enhancement in sustainable agriculture and environmental management.
Exchange of Knowledge and Materials: The MoU also provides for the exchange of publications, reports, and other information between the two institutions, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
The partnership between UESD and GEL represents a commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and creating opportunities for research and development in Ghana. The MoU will be reviewed every three years to assess progress and ensure that both parties continue to benefit from the collaboration.
In his comments, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson emphasised the importance of the collaboration, highlighting its potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture and environmental management in the region.
He highlighted the common ground between the two teams, including issues related to climate change and student internships. He explained that the University currently runs two Schools: the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES) and the School of Sustainable Development (SSD). A third school, the School of Built Environment, is currently operating as a department offering three courses: Sustainable Architecture, Sustainable Construction, Management and Technology, and Urban Planning and Design.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson further mentioned that a fourth school, the School of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Entrepreneurship Development, will be established on UESD’s 640 acres of land in Donkorkrom, Afram Plains North District of the Eastern Region.
He expressed the University’s eagerness to collaborate with institutions and individuals whose visions, missions, and goals align with it. He assured the delegation of the University’s commitment to supporting the collaboration.
In response, the Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Advisor of GEL, Mr. George Kporye, stated that the company is the leading producer of bananas and pineapples in Ghana, with a track record of over 10 years, and is also the leading exporter in the country.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson expressed optimism about the future of the partnership, stating that, “This MoU opens doors for our students and faculty to engage in groundbreaking research and development activities, while also contributing to the advancement of sustainable agriculture in Ghana.”
He lauded the partnership, emphasising that it aligns with their corporate social responsibility to support education and community development. He added that the company offers many opportunities for students and has previously worked with other Universities and expressed enthusiasm about the benefits associated with the collaboration.