Accra - The California State University in North Ridge, USA, is to assist in the establishment of a Computer Training Centre at Konongo in Asante Akim district.

This arrangement is to provide educational opportunities for the youth in the area. The programme is aimed at supplementing the promotion of education in Ashanti initiated by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The Konongohene, Nana Batafo Acheampong Nti II, who disclosed this to the Chronicle shortly on arrival from a tour of the US, said it is also intended to bring modern technological education to the people for development.

The Chief of Konongo was in the US at the invitation of the varsity authorities who discussed the proposed training programme with the chief.

The California State University was led at the deliberations by Dr. Joseph E. Halloway, Professor of African Studies and Director of Obichere Research Centre, to the office of the Associate Vice President.

According to Nana Batafo Acheampong, the university has agreed to provide free computers and software as soon as the necessary infrastructure is put in place.

The university will also sponsor a training programme for teachers of the school and personnel to man and maintain the equipment.

In January, this year, Nana Batafo launched an Education Fund for Konongo as a major source of funding for the training programme.

Other places visited by the Konongo chief include Chicago and New York where he met with African-American business executives and discussed investments in hotel management, tourism, food preservation and processing at Konongo by US business concerns.

About 30 African-Americans are expected in Konongo at the end of July, this year, to undertake feasibility studies.

Nana Batafo rounded up his visit to the US with a reception held in his honour by members of the Konongo Kuo and the Asante Akim Association in New York.

The chief appealed to all citizens of Asante Akim and NGOs to contribute to the general development of the area.