University of Ghana, HP to raise IT interest

University of Ghana, HP to raise IT interest

By Bernard Yaw ASHIADEY

One of the world’s largest IT companies, Hewlett-Packard (HP), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Ghana (UG) in Accra.

The agreement will allow HP and the university to develop the next wave of technology-experts necessary to ensure Ghana takes full advantage of the economic and social benefits technology can bring to local people, enterprises and government.

Under the agreement, HP and the University of Ghana will create a programme to help students transition from fresh graduates to young IT professionals.

They will also collaborate to develop a Sales university for talented young people who are pursuing a career in the IT sector.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ernest Aryeetey who signed on behalf of the university, said the undertaking is in line with the institution’s programmes and they are very happy to be in such a partnership to enhance academic work.

“Since a university helps generate jobs for its students, we therefore have the opportunity to benefit from this agreement.

“We are happy that our researchers will benefit immensely from the highly-trained and experienced HP staff.

“We expect to see huge enhancement in the laboratories of the engineering and computer science departments of the institution to build the knowledge-base of Ghanaian students,” he said.

Country Director HP Ghana, George Anti Ohene, said HP is dedicated to the enhancement of education, which will boost the prospects of the economy.

“The collaboration with the university is a demonstration of our commitment to investing in Ghana’s future.

“It is a platform for graduates to compete globally, and also an avenue that positions Ghana and Africa to benefit from more investors.

“As a global brand dedicated to bringing out the maximum best wherever we go, we want to develop the best IT professionals in Ghana for HP and the world.

“Therefore, applying our knowledge to the system will help push the economy forward,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, HP has established operations in Ghana with the opening of an office in Accra. Commercial customers in Ghana will now have better access to HP’s portfolio of products and services.

Dr. Anti Ohene said: “HP is proud to establish operations in Ghana at a time when the country is emerging as a high-growth economy.”

“The deployment of HP’s cloud-based and connectivity technologies by the Ghanaian government and local industries can help build a strong IT industry, which in turn generates economic growth and innovative solutions that can make a positive impact in Ghana’s communities.”