Cornell University Explores Potential Collaborations at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS)
A delegation from Cornell University has visited the University of Ghana Business School to discuss a potential project to be funded by the Master Card Foundation and its mutual benefits for both universities. The delegation composed of Barbara (BJ) Hoerner, Director, University Foundation Relations & Corporate Philanthropy and Kim Szpiro, Associate Director, Hanga Ahazaza Initiative, Office of External Relations and Engagement, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business was received by the Dean of the Business School, Prof. Justice Bawole.
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Justice N. Bawole conveyed appreciation and enthusiasm for the meeting, highlighting anticipation for its potential outcomes. Subsequently, the meeting covered a description of current areas of expertise in the school and how those works align with the Mastercard Foundation’s mission to enable pathways for young people in Africa to find dignified and fulfilling employment through UGBS. Gaps in the various programmes and initiatives were also discussed and how additional funding could scale up and accelerate impact.
According to the representatives of Cornell University, they are exploring ways of replicating the highly successful Rwandan Hanga Ahazaza training programme, which is worth $50 million in Ghana. Moreover, they indicated that Cornell SC Johnson College of Business has been partnering with the Mastercard Foundation to provide educational training for professionals in the hospitality and tourism sectors in Rwanda since 2018. Building on the successful five-year collaboration, both Cornell University and the Mastercard Foundation are interested in continued partnership and hence, their visit to UGBS.
They finally discussed that the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub is a potential initiative worth exploring for potential ideas for a future, expanded partnership, including collaborations in hospitality/tourism and agriculture/entrepreneurship fields underpinned by digital technology.
Present also at the meeting were, Prof. Elikplimi Komla Agbloyor-Coordinator for International Relations, Prof. Kobby Mensah-Coordinator for the Marketing and Communications Unit, Dr George Acheampong-Coordinator for Innovation and Incubation Hub, Dr. Emmanuel Kolog Awuni and Dr. Eric Afful-Dadzie-Senior Lecturers from the Department of Operations and Management Information Systems, Dr. Raphael Odoom-Senior Lecturer, Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Dr. James Kwame Mensah-Senior Lecture at the Public Administration and Health Service Management, Mr. Yaw Yeboah Tsen- Assistant Registrar- Human Resources and Mr. Oliver K. Aggrey-Manager for UGBS NEST.