It was a humbling moment for the Management and Staff of Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU) when Her Excellency (H.E.) Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada, paid a courtesy call on the University in the cosy noon hours of Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the University’s Council Chamber. The visit was to share reflections on her new diplomatic assignment and explore potential avenues for collaboration between the University and relevant institutions in Canada.

Mr. Michael M. Bentil, the Acting Registrar, welcomed H.E. Prof. D. F. Edu-Buandoh, introduced some members of Management and set the tone for a fruitful discussion.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kwaku Adutwum Ayim Boakye, acknowledged Her Excellency’s achievements in academia and expressed appreciation for the visit. “This visit is unique, I have never seen or read this anywhere that a high commissioner will be commissioned by the president and her first visit is to an educational institution”, he noted.

Prof. Boakye conveyed CCTU’s enthusiasm in partnering with Her Excellency to further enhance the University’s niche area of Renewable Energy, noting that it was an indication of greater opportunities for CCTU. He assured H.E. Prof. Dora F. Edu-Buandoh of the University’s full support to carry out her duties and succeed in her roles.

H.E. Prof. D. F. Edu-Buandoh also expressed delight about the visit, stating that educational diplomacy was one of her priority areas as a High Commissioner and promised to help facilitate international educational collaboration when in Canada, within the framework of Institutional advancement. “I would like to know how I can be of help to the University. There are two main tertiary institutions in Cape Coast. As they say, ‘charity begins at home, so these two institutions should benefit from my mission”, H.E. Professor Dora Edu-Buandoh acknowledged.

She emphasised the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama. “The President attaches great importance to TVET.  I therefore have to support the President’s agenda to raise the standards of TVET institutions, hence, my visit”, H.E. Ghana High Commissioner to Canada stated.

Dr. Ben Atom, the Dean of International Programmes and Institutional Linkages, also extended his gratitude for the visit, emphasising the vital role such a visit played in developing CCTU’s social capital. He presented a petition to the High Commissioner, seeking to establish partnerships with multiple Canadian Universities.

The visit was expected to pave the way for increased academic partnership in areas such as renewable energy education and training, exchange programmes and research partnerships. The meeting concluded with a presentation of CCTU memorabilia, prayer and group photographs, marking the beginning of a promising partnership.

Source: Directorate of Public Affairs

Date: October 7, 2025