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GNPC Presents US$250,000.00 for Research Chair in Petroleum Geoscience

 

Vice Chancellor, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu receiving the cheque on behalf of the University

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has presented a cheque of US$250,000.00 to the University of Ghana at a short ceremony.  This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in June last year to establish a Research Chair in Petroleum Geoscience at the Department of Earth Science, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Ghana. 

The occupant of the Chair, Prof Bruce Banoeng-Yakubo, was formally introduced during the ceremony which was also witnessed by senior management of the University.

Presenting the cheque, Dr. Kwame Baah-Nuakoh, General Manager, Sustainability, GNPC, who represented the CEO said the presentation was in partial fulfilment of the terms of an MoU signed in June 2018. 

Under the terms of the MOU, the GNPC and the University of Ghana seek to strengthen Petroleum Geoscience Research and education capacity at the University so as to support the optimal exploration, delineation and development of Ghana’s hydrocarbon resources.  He said the major objective of the Chair would be to facilitate the sustainable development of Ghana’s hydrocarbon deposits, while providing a reference point for developing similar technical capacities in Africa.

He added that GNPC is currently committing an amount of $250,000 per annum for four academic years to support the Research Chair. He indicated that currently GNPC has made similar commitments to University of Cape Coast and University of Mines and Technology. He stressed the fact that the GNPC will continue to support Universities in Ghana to build synergies between academia and industry to train Petroleum Geoscience professionals.

Dr. Kwame Baah-Nuakoh, General Manager, Sustainability, GNPC

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu received the cheque on behalf of the University.  He expressed profound appreciation to GNPC and  commended them for their commitment.  He noted that one of the priorities of the occupant of the Chair is to establish technical partnerships with leading universities and industry leaders within and beyond the African continent. He said the exhibition of a high sense of integrity in managing the resources will foster goodwill and result in further collaboration in the future.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu

In brief remarks, Prof Bruce Banoeng-Yakubo, occupant of the GNPC Research Chair in Petroleum Geoscience pledged his commitment to use the funds judiciously for its intended purpose. He also declared the intention to engage industry to establish a state-of-the-art research laboratory in Geoscience at the University to aid in research work. He added that the support will help carry out a systematic research to facilitate the sustainable development of the country’s hydrocarbons deposit as well as train and retrain students to be experts in the oil and gas sector.

Prof Bruce Banoeng-Yakubo, occupant of the GNPC Research Chair in Petroleum Geoscience 

The Head of the Department of Earth Science, Professor Sandow M. Yidana, in moving the vote of thanks,  gave assurance of the Department’s commitment to  ensure the success of the Petroleum Chair. He indicated that the Department has over the years engaged in cutting edge research projects and its graduates can be found in internationally recognized institutions including GNPC. He therefore considered the initiative as an opportunity to further consolidate the gains made so far and pledged his support to the occupant of the Chair. Prof. Bruce Banoeng-Yakubo.

Earlier, the Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Prof. Daniel Asiedu gave a background of the Research Chair noting that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the University of Ghana and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) for the establishment of a Research Chair in Petroleum Geoscience at the Department of Earth Science, (UG) in June 2018. 

University officials who were present at the ceremony were Prof. Kwame Offei, Pro-Vice Chancellor, (ASA), Prof. Daniel K. Asiedu, Provost, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, Registrar, Prof. Kingsford Adaboh, Acting Dean of the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, Dean, School of Engineering Sciences, Prof. David Atta Peters, Department of Earth Science and Mrs. Stella A. Amoa, Director of Public Affairs.

Other officials were Mr. Benjamin Owusu Addo, College Finance Officer (CBAS), Mr. Samuel Kweku Acheampong, Senior Assistant Registrar representing the College Secretary, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Dr. Ibrahim Bedi, Ag. Director, Internal Audit, Prof. Godfred Bokpin. Ag, Dean of Student Affairs and Ms. Marisca Obeng, Administrative Manager, GNPC Research Chair, Petroleum Geoscience CBAS. 

Members of the GNPC delegation were Dr. Patrick Ofori, General Manager, Sustainability, Mr. Dominic Kwesi Eduah, Executive Director, Mr. Ato Kobby Jonathan, Media Relations, Ms. Martha Kumi, Local Content, Ms. Victoria Crystal Svanikier, Ms. Genevieve Krankye and Mr. Edward Ohene

A group picture after the event 

 

Please click here to access the Profile of Prof. Bruce Banoeng-Yakubo.