DAAD Regional Director Visits University of Ghana to Strengthen Academic Collaboration
The Director of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Regional Office, Ms. Lena Leumer, has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, to discuss ways to strengthen partnerships between the University and German institutions.
Ms. Leumer, who now oversees DAAD activities in Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon, highlighted the significance of her new role in facilitating partnerships between German and African universities. She mentioned that the expanded DAAD regional office would provide stronger oversight and support to country offices, ensuring that collaborations are more impactful.
“Our expanded regional office aims to facilitate partnerships with German universities and African institutions, providing greater oversight to ensure successful cooperation. With DAAD marking its 100-year anniversary, we are putting a stronger focus on Africa, and we look forward to working with key institutions like the University of Ghana,” she stated.
She announced that the DAAD President, Joybrato Mukherjee, will visit Ghana on April 24, 2025, for the launch of the new regional office. This visit will also include engagements on the present and future of German-African academic cooperation and Africa’s preparedness for global research and development opportunities.
Ms. Leumer extended an invitation to Prof. Amfo for a collaborative engagement under DAAD in Germany, where global partners will gather to reflect on the organisation’s impact over the past century. She also expressed interest in visiting key DAAD-funded initiatives at the University, including the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) and other German supported units, such as the Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA) to interact with students and fellows benefiting from DAAD’s support with the DAAD President in April.
In her remarks during the meeting, Prof. Amfo congratulated Ms. Leumer on her new appointment and warmly welcomed her back to Ghana. She commended DAAD for its longstanding commitment to funding University of Ghana students and faculty and for its investment in building Africa’s research and academic capacity.
“The University of Ghana is what it is today because of strategic partnerships. Given current global challenges, such collaborations must be grounded in mutual respect, with each partner bringing valuable contributions to the table. DAAD has been a trusted partner, and we appreciate its continuous investment in higher education and research,” Prof. Amfo stated.
She highlighted DAAD’s crucial support in strengthening various academic and research units at the University, including the Ghanaian-German Centre for Development Studies at ISSER and projects at WACCI. She noted that DAAD-funded programmes have provided opportunities for faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge research, contributing to national and regional development.
Prof. Amfo also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting DAAD’s initiatives, particularly in the area of strategic partnerships. “We assure you of the University of Ghana’s commitment to support DAAD’s work, and we welcome opportunities for deeper collaboration,” she affirmed.
In brief remarks, the Director of Public Affairs, Dr. (Mrs.) Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, welcomed Ms. Leumer and emphasised that such meetings present valuable opportunities for enhancing collaboration. She reiterated that collaborations are key to achieving Priority 4 of UG’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, which focuses on engagement and partnerships and pledged UG’s commitment to growing its partnership with DAAD.
The visit underscored the shared commitment between the University and DAAD to promote academic excellence, advance research and expand educational opportunities through strong international partnerships.
