UGBS Leadership explores Collaborative Opportunities at Bright Industrial Park
The Dean of the University of Ghana Business School, Prof. Justice N. Bawole, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Gordon A. Awandare and Prof. Jimin Wang, Chinese Director for Confucius Institute at UG together with some faculty members visited the Bright Industrial Park at Afienya, Tema to explore collaborative opportunities for students’ skill development.
Hosted by the Greenhouse International Development Group Ghana Limited on 6th March 2024, the UGBS delegation engaged in discussions regarding potential avenues for students to enhance their skills and idea development. During the visit, they toured various projects within the park, including the Green House Furniture, the Metalworks Warehouse, the Taiyu Fishing Equipment Manufacture Ltd, the Leefound Food Stuff Ghana Limited, the Guangming International Hotel, and other facilities.
Prof. Bawole expressed appreciation for the engagement of many young Ghanaians in skill and technology upgrades within the park. He emphasised the importance of providing students with international perspectives aligned with classroom teachings. Additionally, he announced internship opportunities for students and highlighted plans for collaboration between the UGBS innovation hub and the Greenhouse project, aiming to blend practical field experiences with theoretical knowledge. He also noted that experts will visit the campuses to blend theory with practical experiences for students, aiming to begin internships during the upcoming holidays. Further, he called on the government to study the concept of the projects to create industrial enclaves generating youth employment.
Prof. Jimin Wang, Chinese Director for Confucius Institute, UG, noted that the role of the Institute has been elevated beyond just the study of languages to collaborations and partnerships between Chinese businesses and educational institutions in Ghana. He added that there is now a collaboration between the University of Ghana and the Greenhouse International Development Group Ghana Limited. According to him, the company will focus on training students to fit into various industries enhancing productivity through innovation contests. Students would be given projects and be provided with the needed equipment for production. The project is also available and open to all students from the University of Ghana and will include other tertiary institutions.
In agreement, Prof. Gordon A. Awandare underscored the significance of such collaborations in boosting productivity and providing job opportunities. He emphasised the university's commitment to preparing young adults for projects like these, enabling them to acquire hands-on skills complementary to their theoretical knowledge. He described the collaboration as positive and beneficial to both parties and needs to be managed well.
The Bright Industrial Park which is a project of the Greenhouse International Development Group Ghana Limited is set to become a comprehensive modern city, integrating various sectors such as manufacturing, housing, entertainment, and education. With the acquisition of 1,200 acres of land, the Greenhouse Group aims to develop the "Tema New City" in consultation with the Government of Ghana, providing extensive opportunities for economic development and job creation.