Stakeholder engagements and technical academic arrangements have begun to convert and upgrade the Wenchi Farm Institute into a fully fledged Public University for Wenchi.
The proposed University School would be affiliated to the University of Energy & Natural Resources (UENR), Fiapre – Sunyani of the Bono Region, has been earmarked to serve Greater Wenchi and its environs, Tain, Banda, Techiman, Techiman North, Kintampo North, Kintampo South, as well as people from all walks of life.
The University, when established, would also create jobs amongst many benefits for people of the area.
The traditional authority Wenchi Traditional Council and the government Officiadom led by the Member of Parliament/Minister for Planning Prof George Gyan-Baffour with the MCE Dr Prince Kwakye Afriyie jointly took the initiative.
Presenting the proposal on behalf of the people of Wenchi to justify the establishment of the University , the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) said the strategic location of Wenchi and the calibre and pedigree of indigens in the academia, home and abroad, working in different field of endeavours, occupying various positions, make the area deserving of a public University.
The Principal of the Farm Institute Samuel Balappah gave the history of the facility; the Institute was established in 1964 was formerly training Army Soldiers and farmer based organisations in agricultural industry. It currently trains in general including bee-keeping and mushrooms farming. The 80 acre facility has classroom blocks, Offices, ICT Lab, Library, Demonstration Room, Staff Bungalows/Quarters, Stadium size park and other recreational grounds. It has staff strength of 36 with 17 students.
The traditional authority has assured of allocating more land.
The University authority were impressed about the infrastructure during a facility tour.
The Tripartite Stakeholders in the engagement are the Council of Chiefs from the Wenchi Traditional Council; Baamuhene – Nana Adinkrah Kosopre, Ankobeahene – Nana Amofa Damoah Ko-Asare, Akyeamehene – Nana Damoah Adese Poku Kofabae, Akrobihene – Nana Ansiri Asakrah II, CEO Royals Community Radio Station Adu Agyarko Pinsang.
The government Officiadom; Municipal Chief Executive Dr Prince Kwakye Afriyie and Minister for Planning/MP Prof George Gyan-Baffour. The others were Assistant Director Linda Adufa-Ntiwaa Appiah Wenchi Municipal Assembly, Municipal Information Officer Stanick Sofel Amuzu Kpodo Information Services Department.
The University of Energy & Natural Resources from the Academia; Prof Adebayo Felix Adekoya – Acting Pro Vice Chancellor, Lawyer Solomon Panford – Registrar, Dr. Mrs Derkyi Afua Adu Twumwaah – Dean School of Natural Resources, Mr Alfred Ohenenana Appiah – Senior Assistant Registrar (Human Resources Division), Mr. David Twumasi Ankrah – Assistant Registrar (Acting head University Relations Office), Mr. David Abeam Takyi – Assistant Registrar (Academic and Students Affairs Division – Incharge of Admissions), Miss Philippa Mensah – Assistant Registrar (General Administration Incharge of Municipal Services).
Source: Information Services Department (ISD)
By: Stanick Sofel Amuzu Kpodo/13th Aug 2020