By Edward Williams, GNA
Fodome (V/R), Nov. 07, GNA – Mr Pavel Bílek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ghana, has paid a courtesy call on Togbega Gbedegbleme Akpatsa II, Paramount Chief of the Fodome Traditional Area, to discuss development cooperation.
The visit was also to discuss possible assistance for the completion of the Fodome Campus of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and sought to strengthen relations with the Paramountcy and explore development support for the area.
Togbega Akpatsa expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for the visit and said the Paramountcy was hopeful that the engagement would yield positive outcomes for the area.
He said the Traditional Area released 916 acres of land in 2012 for the establishment of the university campus and noted that the progress made on the project indicated there was light at the end of the tunnel.
The Paramount Chief urged the management of UHAS to present the University’s challenges to the Ambassador, who represents the Czech Republic in Ghana, to explore areas of possible support.
He noted that the Czech Republic and Ghana had enjoyed longstanding diplomatic relations dating back to the era of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
Ambassador Bílek expressed gratitude for the warm reception and underscored the importance of educational cooperation between Ghana and the Czech Republic.
He said education remained a key priority for the Czech Republic and that his country’s support for educational development initiatives formed an important aspect of bilateral cooperation.
The Ambassador commended the UHAS Fodome Campus project, describing it as a good example of collaboration among academic institutions, traditional authorities and local government to train professionals in healthcare and other fields.
He assured the University Management that discussions held with the Embassy on possible areas of collaboration would receive due consideration.
Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, said the University looked forward to deepening collaboration with Czech institutions and partners to make the Fodome Campus one of the most modern university campuses in Ghana.
She said although UHAS was a relatively young institution, it had achieved significant milestones, including having 12 scientists ranked among the top two per cent of researchers globally.
Prof Aziato said UHAS had consistently distinguished itself in areas related to Sustainable Development Goal Three (SDG 3), making it a credible institution for international partnerships.
She expressed appreciation to the Government and the Fodome Traditional Authority for their continued support and commitment to the successful completion of the project.
Professor Frank Baiden, Dean of the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health at UHAS, said the University was eager to operationalise the new campus to support its academic and research programmes.
He said hostel accommodation, furniture, an ICT centre and library facilities would be required when the campus became operational.
Prof Baiden also expressed the hope that the University would establish stronger research and scientific collaborations with institutions in the Czech Republic.
Speaking on behalf of the Paramountcy, Togbe Adze II, Divisional Chief of Fodome Agbesia, said the area offered significant investment opportunities in agriculture and tourism, given its vast resources and economic potential.
He expressed confidence that the Ambassador’s visit would open avenues for future collaboration and development.
The Fodome UHAS Campus Project is about 80 per cent complete, with major structures, including the administration block, lecture halls and washroom facilities, nearing completion. About 90 per cent of the materials required for the remaining works are already on site.
Although funding constraints continue to affect the pace of work, the project is expected to be completed by the end of January 2027 for use by the University.
The project also includes a GETFund-funded hostel facility and an auditorium being financed by the Ministry of Education and the management of UHAS.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Edward Williams