A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Hewlett-Packard (HP), one of the world’s largest technology companies. The agreement is to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the two partners in collaboration, recruitment, research and development.
Professor William Otto Ellis, the Vice-Chancellor, in his opening address said that the University’s Information Technology Centre (UITS) and Procurement Office have standardised procurement regulations that aimed at buying items at moderate prices, and that there was the need for the MoU if the University could buy items directly from HP without a third party.
Professor Ellis revealed that currently about ninety percent (90%) of equipment used in the University were products of HP and it was therefore prudent for the company to invest in the University. He hoped that everything that had been said and written would be implemented to clearly demonstrate their presence on campus as a strategic partner of the University.
Dr. George Anti Ohene, the Managing Director for West Africa, noted that HP contributed towards social development and had decided to expand its presence in twenty-one countries including Ghana. Dr. Ohene explained that having been an employee of the company for almost twenty years he believed in the innovation and skills development of HP. He reaffirmed HP’s plan to establish an educational centre in KNUST to give students the opportunity to interact with technical people from HP and to update the knowledge of students in technological developments. HP also had plans of setting up an assembly plant in Kumasi.
Professor Nii Odai, the Pro-Vice Chancellor, was of the view that the idea of the plant assembly by HP in Ghana was a good initiative for the whole economy but he proposed that if such Plant could be put up in KNUST it would help ease the budget on the Institution. He commended HP for the quality and durability of their products.
Koby Yebo Okrah, the Registrar, noted that the University was a productive place for development and believed that the partnership was a good opportunity to share ideas that could promote research. He further suggested that HP should consider capacity building initiatives.
