The University of Ghana Africa Climate Collaborative has held a presentation ceremony to award grants and scholarships to over 60 individuals pursuing various levels of study and research, including MA, MPhil, PhD, and post-doctoral fellowships, as well as catalyst grants in climate-related research fields.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director of the Africa Climate Collaborative and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Professor Gordon Awandare, stated that the programme, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is designed to support young and brilliant academics with strong research interests in climate change and related fields across Africa. He noted that the initiative seeks to encourage innovative solutions for the sustainable management of the planet’s climate.
“The target group is spread across the continent to fund and strengthen the capacities of young scholars to brainstorm and develop sustainable and innovative ways of mitigating the impact of climate change on Africa’s fortunes. It also aims to catalyse and encourage viable start-ups within the value chain to create jobs and promote decent livelihoods for all participants involved in the programme,” Professor Awandare explained.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, also highlighted that the Climate Collaborative programme aligns with the strategic vision of the University to leverage research and innovation in driving human capital development among both academic and administrative staff, with the goal of meaningfully addressing pressing societal issues through innovation.
“Such a laudable initiative under the capable leadership of Professor Awandare aligns with the strategic vision of the University of Ghana to transition into a research-intensive, world-class university that harnesses the creative potential of both faculty and students in the coming years,” she said. “Today’s awardees have no reason to rest on their laurels but should see this incredible opportunity as an investment. The project partners — the University of Ghana and the Mastercard Foundation — are committed to supporting relevant academic and research work that identifies societal problems and proposes sustainable solutions in the long term,” she added.
The Africa Climate Collaborative Project, implemented by the University of Ghana and funded by the Mastercard Foundation, is an eight-year initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of African scholars to innovate and craft ingenious solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change.
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Story by Sika Togoh | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
