The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong, has expressed optimism about the Corporation’s relations with the University of Cape Coast (UCC), saying that the University will help produce the workforce needed to sustain the Oil and Gas Industry.
His comment follows the signing of a 4 year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GNPC and UCC to establish a research chair in Petroleum Commerce at the Institute of Oil and Gas in the College of Humanities and Legal Studies.
Speaking at the 1st College-Industry Public Lecture held on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 on the topic “GNPC Corporate Social Investment Model: A Discussion Note on Evolution, Implementation and Challenges”, Dr. Sarpong mentioned that the MoU forms part of GNPC’s Corporate Social Responsibility to support Tertiary Education.
He revealed that the Corporation’s scholarships, which focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education will in the coming years, benefit UCC students who read Education in Science and Mathematics because they will help produce scientists in the future.
“We say we want to focus on STEM and there is a reason. The reason is that this oil business is technological and requires high level of engineering and science, and if we want to look at the future of this industry, then we must have more scientists, both applied and non-applied. The choices we make are informed by our judgment”, he stated.
Dr. Sarpong called on all corporate bodies to encourage CSR, which according to him, is an effective approach to increase shared values and turn disadvantages into advantages in organizations.
In his remarks, the Vice-chancellor of UCC, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, who chaired the programme, expressed gratitude to GNPC and gave an assurance that UCC will live up to their expectations.
He encouraged students to make their first degrees a springboard that would enable them to spring into any area that would be of interest to them and of demand in the job market.
He also appealed to other corporate bodies to support UCC’s establishment of a School of Governance and Law.
The 1st College-Industry Public Lecture is part of activities marking the College of Humanities and Legal Studies’ Week Celebration.
In attendance were the Information Minister, Hon. Mustapha Hamid; Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof K. T. Oduro; Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh; the Registrar, Mr. Kofi Nyan; Board Members of GNPC and Tullow Ghana; and lectures and students of the College.
Source: Nana Afia Tenkoramaa | Choicism.com
