The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has held a public lecture on the topic: "Britain and Ghana: Growing Together". The lecture was delivered by Dr. Nicholas Westcott, the British High Commissioner. The historic event underscored the existing relationship between Ghana and Britain in the area of politics, education, migration, economy, climate change and the fight against illicit drug trafficking.
The British High Commissioner to Ghana disclosed that the British Government is solidly behind Ghana in the fight against corruption and financial malfeasance in order to enhance financial accountability. He commended the Government of Ghana for making progress, thus improving its score from 3.9 to 4.1, as published by the Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index.
Dr. Westcott stressed the need for Ghana to advance into becoming an internationally competitive economy. He, therefore, reiterated Britain's long-term commitment in supporting Ghana's developmental projects. Currently, 142 schools in the Ashanti Region are in partnership with British schools through the British Council programme. He lauded KNUST for its collaborative ventures with British universities, and described the University as a noble institution within the country and in the international community.
Dr. Westcott gave the assurance that Britain would work closely with the Government of Ghana to combat drug trafficking and crime, immigration and climate change. He stated that the British Government would equip the Ghana Immigration Service with the needed skills to effectively manage the flow of migration. He revealed that Ghana receives an amount of £85 million (GH¢200 million) from the British Government annually. "Ghana has the potential to become a regional economic hub, serving the whole of West Africa.", he noted.
Among the dignitaries present were Professor William Otoo Ellis, the Vice-Chancellor who chaired the function; Professor Francis A. Abantaga, Chairman of the Public Lecture Committee; Professor Edward Badu, Provost of College of Architecture and Planning; Professor R.C. Abaidoo, Provost of College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Professor Robert K. Nkum, Provost of College of Science; Professor M.L.K. Mensah, former Dean of Students; and Rev. Dr. P.K. Boafo, the Protestant Chaplain.
