The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies of the University for Development Studies (UDS) has hosted a three-day workshop on the rural-to-rural partnership project between the UDS and the Appalachian State University (ASU), USA. The workshop which discussed and highlighted the unique cultural, environmental and civic features of the respective locations of the two Universities, began on 10th January, 2023 and ended 12th January 2023. The partnership project between the two universities was conceived through the support of the US Embassy.

The workshop commenced with a brief overview of the partnership project which was delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Dr. Edward Mahama Salifu. He stated that one of the essential components of the partnership was to improve the programs that were currently run by UDS, as well as share knowledge between the two universities on various issues in academia.

Dr. Edward Salifu enumerated the impact of the partnership adding that more efforts could be made to improve the partnership to go beyond providing opportunities for the students, to also include the staff of both universities.

Also at the event were representatives of the US Embassy in Ghana.  Jennifer Green, Cultural Associate of the US Embassy in Ghana She expressed delight at the partnership between UDS and ASU, and its contribution to ensuring sustainability, changing lives and creating experiences. She further encouraged the participants to follow and tag the US Embassy on all social media handles on matters concerning the partnership.

The Head of Department of Communication, Innovation and Technology of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Dr. Eliasu Mumuni elaborated on the concept notes of the partnership project and what it seeks to achieve. Amongst the various elements of the project was the need to promote sustainability within development deprived areas in the respective locations of both universities.

The Vice Chancellor of UDS, Professor Alhassan Seidu, gave a brief history of the university and how it has impacted the lives of students. He also enumerated how through the establishment of UDS, the development gap between the Northern and Southern part of Ghana, is gradually being closed. He commended the US embassy for their efforts and emphasised that if the partnership becomes a success, both UDS and ASU stand to benefit mutually from it.

The workshop had in attendance staff from the UDS, ASU, representatives from URBANET, and other cooperate and traditional leaders within the Northern Region of Ghana. 

Story by:
Salma Abdul-Rashid (University Relations)