Ho Technical University (HTU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) to formalise a strategic partnership for the planning and hosting of the annual Food, Agriculture, Technology and Sustainability (FATAS) Conference. The five-year agreement, signed on Monday, July 13, 2026, seeks to leverage the strengths of both institutions to advance agriculture, technology, innovation and sustainable development in the Volta Region.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, said the partnership stems from the University’s vision of ensuring that the impact of the FATAS Conference is first realised within the Volta Region. He explained that the conference, introduced last year, addresses critical issues in food, agriculture, technology and sustainability, and provides a platform for stakeholders to work together in harnessing the Region’s abundant natural resources for development. He noted that partnering with the VRCC would strengthen efforts to achieve this shared objective.
The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, commended the University for initiating the collaboration, describing it as timely and development-oriented. He noted that although the Coordinating Council’s mandate is to coordinate government programmes and policies, experience has shown that collaboration remains the most effective approach to accelerating development. He therefore welcomed the partnership, emphasising that agriculture and agribusiness continue to drive the Region’s economy through food production, employment and food security.
Hon. Gunu further stated that the FATAS Conference presents an opportunity to showcase the Volta Region’s agricultural and investment potential while complementing government’s ongoing and upcoming interventions in the sector. He expressed confidence that the University’s expertise in agriculture, technology and innovation would add significant value to these initiatives and assured Management of the VRCC’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities under the agreement.
Present at the ceremony were the Volta Regional Director of Agriculture, Mr. William Dzamefe, the Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, Alhaji Avona Mohammed Akape, members of the University’s Management and other officials from both institutions. The MoU provides a framework for joint planning, stakeholder mobilisation, sponsorship, and exhibitions towards the successful organisation of the annual FATAS Conference.