Kumasi (Ashanti), 28th June 99 -

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, last Friday called on the authorities of the University of Science and Technology (UST) to develop strategies that would make the university's research findings in technology and consultancy services beneficial to the country.

He noted that since its establishment, the UST has made many research findings and technologies that could be beneficial to industry and other sectors of the economy.

These are, however, not being utilised, much to the detriment of the country's development, as institutions import foreign experts and consultants for their operations.

The Asantehene made the call when Agyewodin Adu Gyamfi Ampem II, Acherensuahene and Chairman of the UST Council, led other members of the council and the executive committee to Manhyia Palace to congratulate the Asantehene on his enthronement.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu pointed out that the financial constraints of the UST could be overcome when research findings and technologies are made available to industries to enable the UST generate more revenue for its operations.

He observed that as a human institution, the UST has many inherent problems but that these could be solved when its consultancy services are easily made available and well utilised to reduce government expenditure on tertiary institutions.

Professor Ambrose K. Tuah, Acting Vice Chancellor of the UST, thanked the Asantehene for his advice and said its Technology Consultancy Centre (TCC) has been established to address the issue. Its activities would, however, be intensified, he said.

He said every university has a "direct responsibility" to help promote development in areas where they are situated.

The UST presented one carton Schnapps and 500,000 cedis to the Asantehene.

The Acherensuahene also presented 200,000 and a copy of his book, "Akan Mmebusem Bi", to the Asantehene.

GRi?/