A non-profit organisation based in Japan, The Nippon Foundation, has presented English books about Japan to the Sam Jonah Library.
The books, worth US$5000, were donated under the “Read Japan” project, which is an initiative launched in 2008 by The Nippon Foundation, with the objective of providing an accurate picture of contemporary Japan to readers all around the world.
Explaining the rationale behind the gesture, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Japan Embassy in Ghana, Mr. Naoki MITORI, observed that the move by the Foundation was to boost reading and learning amongst students and staff of UCC and improve their understanding of Japanese culture, history, politics and people, among others.
He said reading was an integral part of human development and urged students to read widely to broaden their knowledge.
"Now, the younger generation prefers smart phones and social media to reading books. However, the more you read, the more you know," added Mr. MITORI, who made the donation on behalf of the Foundation.
Pro VC-UCC, Prof. Boohene (in blue) interacting with the Deputy Head of Mission at the Japan Embassy in Ghana, Mr. Naoki MITORI. Looking on is Dr. Mac-Anthony Cobblah, the University Librarian
Receiving the items on behalf of the Library, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rosemond Boohene, commended the Japanese Embassy and the Foundation for the kind gesture.
She described the Embassy as an important stakeholder in the realisation of the University's vision of becoming a distinguished academic institution of worldwide acclaim.
Prof. Boohene was optimistic that the donation would act as a springboard for the UCC to engage in fruitful collaborations with the Embassy in the not-too-distant future.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor seized the chance to eulogise two distinguished Japanese nationals Dr. Hideyo Noguchi for his pioneering medical research in Ghana and Yohei Sasakawa for his big heart towards humanity.
For his part, the University Librarian at the Sam Jonah Library, Dr. Mac-Anthony Cobblah, promised that the Library would ensure the books were put to good use.
Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong (3rd from right) in a photo with Mr. Naoki MITORI and some distinguished guests at the event
He hinted that the Library would liase with the Embassy to get in touch with Japanese foundations that were assisting persons living with disabilities so as to provide technologies and disability-friendly books to students facing disability challenges at the University to enhance their academic work.
The Japanese Embassy delegation was made up of the Public Relations Officer, Ms. Yuriya TERAGAKI, as well as the Assistant Public Relations Officer at the Embassy, Mrs. Prudence Ansah.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC