The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COA Research and Manufacturing Company to support students’ entrepreneurial skills development through internship and practical attachment opportunities.
Both institutions under the partnership would promote research and innovations into traditional herbal medicines and organic production and processing of raw materials for chronic diseases, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, kidney diseases, and diabetes among others.
The agreement will also enable the two implement strategies that influence informed decision-making through partnerships with other national and international authorities, business and industries and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Johnson Nyarko Boampong, signed on behalf of UCC, while the Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Samuel Ato Duncan, appended his signature for COA Research and Manufacturing Company.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rosemond Boohene, and the Executive Assistant at COA, Dr. Grace Bimpong.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Duncan said Ghana had traditional medicines that could take care of cancers, kidney diseases, viral infections and many other diseases, with minimal side effects.
A group photo of UCC-VC (2nd from right) and CEO of COA (centre) with the Pro VC – UCC, Prof. Rosemond Boohene; Registrar, Mr. Jeff Teye Onyame and Dr. Grace Bimpong, Executive Assistant at COA
He said if the country was able to develop and package those medications to meet international standards; it would have a lot of medicines that could support the health of people.
According to him, he had developed a product that had the potential to be a breakthrough in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but there was need for further research on it.
He was optimistic the agreement between the two institutions would make his vision come to fruition.
For his part, the Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to COA Manufacturing Company for the continuous support to UCC over the years and stated that management was glad with the agreement.
He expressed the hope that the two institutions would work together to improve the quality of life of Ghanaians.
"Let us work together to change the circumstances of our people," he added.
He appealed to Prof. Duncan to put up a monument on campus to have his name on the project.
The partnership will last for five years after which it will be re-assessed for impact and continuation.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC