University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies takes off

Government releases 8 billion cedis
KEN ATTAFUAH IS FIRST VICE CHANCELLOR

The first University to be established by a Traditional Council is set to take off shortly. After months of negotiation and boardroom wrangling, Cabinet has finally given approval for the title to the Bunso Cocoa College to revert to the Okyenman Traditional Council which has decided to establish the University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies (UCAES). . Sunday World can authoritatively confirm that Dr. Ken Attafuah former Executive Secretary of the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) fame will be the first Vice Chancellor at the University which kicks off in October 2007. HRH, Prince Charles is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour for the opening.

The University will be a first by a Traditional Council in the country and according to our sources; plans are far advanced for UCAES to affiliate with Wageningen University of Netherlands. Wageningen University offers 18 Degree and 30 Masters Degree Programmes and among its partners in Africa are University of Pretoria, Agricultural Research Council of South Africa and now Ghana.

We can also confirm that Government has released some ¢8 billion cedis through the Ministry of Local Government and Environment to kick start the University. The amount represents accumulated royalties due the Okyeman Council for its 50 year land lease to the Government.

When reached for his comment, the Minister of Local Government and Environment, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng confirmed the Government's commitment to help kick-start the project but was not specific on the amount involved.

In a related development, the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Oforipanin will be the Guest Speaker at the "Hague dialogue" this week. The Conference which will discuss Women, Children and Markets in Africa will also be attended by the Sultan of Sokoto. It is expected that the Okyenhene will use his visit to finalize discussions with officials of Wageningen University.