The College of Education, University of Ghana, has received a delegation from the Royal Bozza Anana Stool of Ahanta-Akatakyi in the Western Region to advance discussions on the Stool's offer of land to the University for the establishment of a learning centre in the area.

A delegation from the Stool, led by Nana Bozza IX and Prof. Kwesi Jonah, paid a courtesy call on the Provost and Management of the College of Education to advance discussions on the proposal, which seeks to bring the University's academic opportunities closer to communities in Ahanta-Akatakyi and its surrounding areas.

The Stool expressed its readiness to offered between 5 and 20 acres of land, with the willingness to make additional land available depending on the University's requirements. The proposed initiative reflects a shared interest in strengthening educational opportunities and extending the University's reach beyond its existing locations.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Provost, Prof. Samuel Amponsah, Dean of the School of Continuing and Distance Education, welcomed the initiative and expressed the College's appreciation for the Stool's confidence in the University and its commitment to supporting higher education.

He was joined by Prof. James Dzisah, Dean of the School of Education and Leadership, and Mr Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Registrar.

In his remarks, Nana Bozza IX emphasised the importance of education in shaping the future of children and communities. He explained that the proposed initiative was a personal commitment he had shared with his elders, driven by his desire to create opportunities for the people of Ahanta-Akatakyi and its surrounding communities to access the world-class education offered by the University of Ghana.

He disclosed that the Stool initially submitted its proposal to the University in the previous year and subsequently followed up with another letter. He expressed delight at eventually receiving feedback from the University and reaffirmed the Stool's commitment to the initiative. He added that they would continue to follow up on the proposal.

In response, Prof. Amponsah expressed gratitude to Nana Bozza IX and the Stool for the generous offer, describing it as a welcome gesture towards advancing access to higher education. He assured the delegation that the discussions would be brought to the attention of the Provost for Management's consideration.

He further indicated that Management would give the proposal the necessary attention and engage the Stool in subsequent discussions to explore the way forward.

In his closing remarks, the College Registrar, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, thanked Nana Bozza IX and the delegation for the visit and for demonstrating a strong commitment to educational development in the area. He acknowledged the potential value of such partnerships in supporting the University's broader mission of expanding access to quality higher education.

The proposed learning centre presents an opportunity to deepen the University of Ghana's engagement with communities in the Western Region while strengthening its commitment to making university education more accessible. It also highlights the important role traditional authorities and local stakeholders can play in supporting the expansion of higher education through strategic partnerships with academic institutions.