The Ho Technical University on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 played host to the Kenyan High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E Elihas Mugendi Barine, who is on a four-day visit to the Volta Region.
The Kenyan envoy, who will officially assume office in January, 2021 is in the region on the invitation of the Eastern/Volta/Oti Regional Branch of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI).
Mr. Dela Gadzanku, the Eastern/Volta/Oti Regional President of AGI who led the delegation, during a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management at the F.O. Kwami Council Chamber, said the High Commissioner’s visit was to explore opportunities in the tourism and other sectors in the region for possible partnership with Kenyan businesses.
H.E Mugendi Barine, after being taken through a brief presentation about HTU, expressed delight about the vision and focus of the University, which is not only to produce higher degree graduates but also train and provide skills to artisans, who he described and believed are ‘the real engine of the economy.’
He encouraged the University Management to continue to explore opportunities in the region’s vast tourism potential and tailor skill training to meet the demands of the sector.
‘As an institution training in hospitality, you should consider having your own hotel, where your students can put to practice the knowledge and skills acquired before moving to industry,’ he suggested, as he expressed willingness to initiate partnership between HTU and other Universities in Kenya for exchange programmes.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga, reiterated the University’s niche in hospitality and tourism, for which it has introduced a full degree and also in Leisure and Events Management programmes, to meet the high standard and demand in the sector.
He also indicated that, the University has, as part of its strategic plan, the establishment of a ‘Hotel School,’ for which it is opened for partnership with industry players to bring into fruition.
The Vice-Chancellor assured the High Commissioner of the University’s readiness for mutually beneficial partnership with other Universities in Kenya, as he thanked the AGI for initiating this historic visit.
As a way of appreciating the visit, Prof. Honyenuga presented an HTU woven Kente sash and other souvenirs to the envoy and wished him well in his tenure as the first permanent Kenyan High Commissioner to Ghana.
Management members present at the ceremony, include the Ag. Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Edward K. Ayimey, and the Registrar, Dr. Christopher K. Amehoe.
© HTU-Public Affairs Office