University of Ghana to establish centre for European Studies

By Kodjo Adams, GNA
Accra, May 27, GNA - The University of Ghana's Centre for Social Policy Studies, as part of its strategic plans is to establish a centre for European studies to broaden the frontiers of research and learning.

Professor Ernest Aryeetey, Vice Chancellor of the University, noted that it is imperative for the country's educational system to focus on approach to understanding European issues, hence the essence for the Centre to be globally minded to explore exchanges to learn different cultures.

He said many issues happening in Europe would be beneficial to the African continent and the Centre would provide avenues to learn European politics, law, history and advice government about its impact on the economy for possible solutions.

Prof Aryeetey said at a national conference on Volunteerism and Philanthropy and the commemoration of 20th anniversary of the University of Ghana Centre for Social Policy Studies in Accra.

The objective of the conference was to improve knowledge sharing by bringing together various stakeholder's involved in volunteerism and philanthropy.

The conference was intended to provide critical material to the public agencies and other partners that are facing with developing policies and protocols for volunteering and philanthropy.

The Professor said the University would also set up the centre for ageing studies, Asian Studies, Latin American Studies and Urban Management Studies to serve as research advocacy in addressing socio-economic issues affecting the country and African.

He said volunteerism and philanthropy has seen a transformational development through education and social relations especially in the Asian countries and it behoves other African countries to learn from such experiences.

Prof Aryeetey explained that parts of the US higher education are highly funded through volunteerism and philanthropy, urging other African governments to follow suit.

Prof Abena Oduro, Director, Centre for Social Policy Studies, University of Ghana said the Centre was established in 1996 to conduct policy research, training programmes and materials on social policy issues.

She noted that volunteerism and philanthropy could make significant contributions to a nation's socio-economic development as has been demonstrated by the experiences of industrialised countries in the provision of education and health services.

Prof Oduro said over the past years, the Centre had worked with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and UNICEF and the International Labour Organisation to advance the course of poor and vulnerable in the society.

GNA