February 10, 2016 - A cross-section of business professionals, academics and investors from Bordeaux, France, were at Ashesi to engage members of the community about the institution’s contributions to Ghana's growth. The visit to Ashesi formed part of the group’s country trip to explore investment and collaborative opportunities in industries including technology, transportation, education, agriculture and energy.
Leading the delegation was Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC), Mrs. Maweuna Trebah, who emphasized that institutions like Ashesi helped present a strong case for local expertise and leadership in Ghana. “As an investment promotion center, it is important that when we go out to showcase Ghana, we showcase all the different elements of who we are,” she said. “It's not just the investment opportunities, but also the quality of the expertise that exists in the country. This helps attract a certain quality of investor. Ashesi's excellence showcases the quality of Ghanaian expertise that international organizations can expect when they come to this country.”
The delegation engaged with members of Ashesi’s Executive Team, staff and faculty, and alumni who co-founded DreamOval, about the business and education landscape of Ghana. “I am impressed with how Ashesi is preparing the leaders of tomorrow,” said Olivier Labbe, General Director of Cap DC, a Bordeaux based firm that designs and builds data centres. “Education that is not only about the technical side but also about leadership, is important for the business leader not only in Ghana, but also in Africa."
The interaction also provided the opportunity for Ashesi to open discussions about academic–industry partnerships with institutions in Bordeaux. “We are looking to expand our linkages with other universities and industries to enrich our community,” said Araba Botchway, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. “For a long time, we’ve been working closely with institutions in the United States and in Canada. This though, is a new avenue we can explore, so is it's important to share what forms the basis of what we do here in Ashesi. Hopefully this will lead to some strong partnerships.“
The Ghanaian Ambassador to France, Her Excellency Johanna Odonkor Svanikier, who accompanied the delegation, further emphasised the importance of Ashesi's work in Ghana. “We want to showcase the best of Ghana, and what is most relevant to business and academics in pushing the Ghanaian government's growth agenda forward. Ashesi is a perfect example of Ghanaian excellence, and a model which we will like to emulate."