The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson has commended members coordinating the UESD Yemaya-Erasmus Project for their exceptional work.
At a meeting held at the video conference room on campus to learn about the status of work on UESD Ph.D. candidates on the programme Prof. Nyarko-Sampson, praised Dr. Fatima Eshun a Lecturer in Geography and Earth Science and Prof. Wiafe Debrah, the Pro. Vice-Chancellor for their vital roles in managing the collaboration. However, he also expressed concern that some individuals within the University had abandoned their assigned tasks, resulting in missed opportunities.
The Yemaya Project, spearheaded by Freiberg University in Germany and funded by the Erasmus Morbidity Fund, enables Ph.D. holders from five African countries to undertake six months of study in Germany as part of the broader Yemaya initiative.
The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Richard Amfo-Otu, Acting Head of the Academic Planning and Quality Assurance Unit (APQAU), and his team for successfully securing accreditation for six programmes, including three (3) MPhil programmes and three (3) undergraduate degrees. Emphasising the project’s potential, the Vice-Chancellor urged all assigned individuals to remain diligent and committed to their roles.
In his remarks, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah recounted how the university secured the project. He explained that it all began with an email from a young man seeking experiential learning opportunities. The University’s positive response led to a successful funding application for a €9 million project, focusing on women in science and their supporters.
Prof. Wiafe Debrah highlighted the achievements of UESD team members, including Dr. Fatima Eshun, who was elected leader of Yemaya, as well as Ms. Bernice Araba Otoo and Ms. Henrietta Nabiebakye, who have made significant contributions to the project.
The event featured the presentations from the two Assistant Lecturers. which were well received by professors and faculty members. Ms. Otoo is set to present her research on nature-based solutions for managing mining-affected soils at the Yemaya Project in Germany, while Ms. Nabiebakye has been selected for an upcoming project on behalf of the Yemaya group at UESD.
Dr. Eshun expressed appreciation for the feedback and expressed the team’s intention to organise more events to broaden knowledge and perspectives.