The new head of cooperation in the French Embassy in Ghana, Mr. Paulo PAis, has visited KNUST. The visit was to establish and increase cordial relationship between Ghanaian and French universities.
Paulo PAis was met by the management of the University, Provosts, HODs and some senior members of the university. Professor Peter Donkor, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, welcomed Mr. Paulo PAis and his delegation officially to Ghana and KNUST on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and the University. He said that he was pleased to receive them and he also commended the French Government for the cordial relationship it has established with the University over the years.
Mr. Paulo PAis said that the French Government was delighted to continue with the strong alliance that exists between Ghana and the French community. He outlined some packages that the French government has for KNUST and Ghana. He said that there would be a high level meeting that would focus on increasing academic cooperation and research among students from the two countries. This meeting was expected to take place in Kumasi and Cape Coast in 2013. He also said that measures were being taken to increase the number of Ghanaian students in the Francophone countries, with or without grants from the French Embassy.
Prof. Peter Donkor suggested that the French Village Concept which was suggested sometime ago be advanced and enforced on campus. This he believed would enhance competence in the French language among students of French and indeed anyone who would wish to learn the French language.
Mr. Paulo PAis said that there was a meeting about raising funds for Ghanaian students to study in France and that he was happy to announce that about 38 universities in France have expressed interest.
The Pro V.C thanked the delegation once again and assured them of KNUST’s support.
The delegation also included Sylvain Connan, Coordinator, Maison Francaise, KNUST; Stephanie Soleansky, French Cultural Affairs and High Education Attachée; and Ingrid Honnel, Director Alliance Francaise.
