The Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has unveiled ambitious plans to revolutionize the Faculty of Agriculture at Valley View University (VVU) to promote development for the students, lecturers and the country as a whole.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour during the 30th Congregation ceremony of the University on Sunday, December 17, 2023, Mr Agyapong expressed his commitment to elevating agricultural education at the University.
Mr Agyapong’s vision includes the establishment and implementation of an Agricultural Engineering programme, adding a dynamic facet to the university’s academic offerings.
The lawmaker believes that integrating this engineering discipline will not only enhance the educational experience for students but also contribute to the advancement of agricultural practices.
Recognizing the practical needs of VVU, the Assin Central MP pledged to donate two tractors to address the university’s current deficit in this crucial farming equipment.
The decision to donate the tractors stems from a specific request made by the university, highlighting the lawmaker’s responsiveness to the institution’s requirements.
Recalling his campaign for the NPP flagbearership position, he revealed that agriculture stood as a cornerstone of his political platform during that period.
Assurance
Consequently, the MP assured to use the Valley View University’s Department of Agriculture as a strategic partner to bring his agricultural vision to fruition.
He envisions the university not only as an educational institution but also as a hub for innovation in agriculture. He stated that empowering Valley View University’s Department of Agriculture could lead to the manufacture of their own agricultural equipment.
This forward-looking approach, he believes, will enable the university to attain a level of self-sufficiency, making a significant impact on their farming endeavors within the Faculty of Agriculture.
Patriotism, love
The Member of Parliament for Assin Central further called on the graduating class to demonstrate love and patriotism at all times in order to propel their personal as well as national development.
He said Ghana is a great country with remarkable history to be proud of, for which reason the younger generation must be resolute in their patriotism to the state.
Mr Agyapong observed that the youth represent the backbone of every nation, and, therefore, should be a prioritized asset of the country.
The Assin Central legislator noted that when more attention is given to the youth, they will become responsible leaders who will uphold the image and values of the country.
“As youth, bring together all passionate, selfless and patriotic Ghanaian citizens and use your combined knowledge, skills, ideas and other resources to support the needed development activities in the various communities with a focus on the country’s development agenda,” he said.
School of success
MP further reminded the graduands that life is not easy out there, stressing the need for them to be determined irrespective of what the odds may be.
“Today is the beginning of your own success, and if you will be successful, you will pass through this school of life. Knowledge is not the end of life, but your ability to turn the knowledge into making yourself meaningful in society,” he said.
Mr Agyapong said the virtues of perseverance, patience and honesty are the hallmark of success. He advised the youth to take their destinies into their own hands as the government cannot single-handedly provide employment to the growing number of graduates, let alone all the youth in the country.
The MP noted that the youth can succeed in Ghana because the country has enormous opportunities, “and that is why the nationals from other parts of the world come to Ghana and make it”.
Explore
For his part, the Vice-Chancellor of the Valley View University (VVU), Prof. William Kofi Koomson, challenged graduands of the VVU to explore and use the knowledge acquired to create innovations to benefit society.
The Vice-Chancellor advised the graduands not to succumb to circumstances to cut short their dreams but encouraged them to be determined in life.
Prof. Kofi Koomson commended the graduands for their perseverance and urged them to turn challenges that would come their ways into opportunities.
He reminded them that discipline was key to their success in life. He, therefore, admonished them to let discipline be their guiding principle and advised them to be good ambassadors of the University.
Meanwhile, recipients of the Honorary Awards were H.E Governor of Osun State of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, among other key and important personalities .
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