Accra, Jan 25, GNA - Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng II, Omanhene of the Kwahu Traditional Area on Friday presented a cheque for 2, 000 Ghana cedis to the college of Agriculture of the University of Ghana for the establishment of a scholarship scheme in the area of Crop Science. The presentation was the first installment of a 10,000 Ghana Cedis pledge the chief made in June 2007 when he instituted the award. Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng 11, who is also the Chairman of the Ghana Cocobod said he took interest in crop research years ago and therefore decided to help the university in that regard. He said the first installment was to enable the university invest the money in a viable venture for the returns to be used in the commencement of the award scheme which would mainly focus on research. Prof. Clifford Tagoe, Vice-Chancellor of the University said the school recognized the importance of academic excellence in all aspects therefore the institutions of various awards scheme since 1964 and lauded the contributions of individuals and corporate entities for supporting such schemes.

Prof. Tagoe said the institution of several awards and contracts over the years had enticed students regardless of the limited facilities in the various discipline to give out their best in the development process of the country. Prof. Kwame Offei, Dean, School of Agriculture said the school lacked basic modern facilities that would enable it to function as expected. He said classroom facilities, laboratories and other equipment needed to ensure that the school lived up to expectation was in short supply adding, "Classroom meant for 30 people now takes up to 70 people".

Prof. Offei said the interest accruing from the seed money would be used to undertake research which would be improved both at the graduate and undergraduate level as well as the facilities in the school. Prof. Kwadwo Ofori, Head of Department, Agriculture said currently only the Finatrade scholarship which catered for five students per year was the only vibrant scheme for the school and called on corporate institutions to do more to uplift the school's image.