The Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei-Mensah, has held a meeting with the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi to discuss a Tripartite Collaboration and Technology Transfer for Cattle Ranching Project at KNUST. The meeting held on Friday, 9th February 2024 at the Council Chamber of the University, brought together representatives from the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), the Black Wall Street Africa Group, and KNUST.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the potential establishment of a state-of-the-art cattle ranching facility at the Boadi Land Cattle Ranch, how to mobilise funds for the project, as well as initiate capacity building efforts at KNUST.
In his remarks, Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, expressed gratitude to the Minister for his unwavering support towards KNUST over the years. He noted that the Cattle Ranching project at KNUST has over the years been a Centre for advancing research, teaching, and learning for faculty members and students. To this end, he advocated for a demonstration site where faculty members of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) can spearhead a tripartite collaboration with government, academia, and industry in cattle ranching and rearing. He emphasised the enormous benefit the project sought to achieve which included the contribution to milk and beef production and the supply of these to boost the country’s economy. He stressed the importance of security as the top priority and the necessity of taking preventative action to curb cattle disturbances in the society. He reaffirmed KNUST’s readiness to support the initiative.
The meeting focused on how to rebuild the Boadi Land Cattle Ranch, which had collapsed and was no longer in operation. The team shared some concerns about the possible risks that cattle could pose to the community as well as the animal feed production system and safe ways to confine them. The stakeholders hoped to work with the government to establish a reputable centre where they could address the problem from a scientific standpoint.
The team from RCC, KNUST, and the Black Wall Street Africa Group expressed their commitment to enhance technological capabilities and foster collaboration with Arizona, a sister state in the USA. They noted some potential benefits from the project which include student training, exchange programmes, utilisation of the facility as a learning centre for KNUST students, job creation, and the improvement in the production of quality of meat.
During the deliberations, the Regional Minister was urged to facilitate the allocation of necessary resources for the project. In response, Hon. Simon Osei-Mensah urged the committee to establish a dedicated team tasked with drafting a comprehensive document outlining each stakeholder's responsibilities, project timelines, and the expected nature of assistance or collaboration from Arizona for the Cattle Ranching Project. He hinted that the document would serve as a blueprint and guide for the project's execution.
