The Executive Secretary of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), Prof. Patrick Okori, has led a level three-member delegation on a five-day working visit to the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
The purpose of the visit was to strengthen collaboration and ensure the successful implementation of the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Growth and Development (TAGDev 2.0) programme in Ghana.
Supported by the Mastercard Foundation and RUFORUM, TAGDev 2.0 is a flagship initiative being implemented in 12 African universities, with UCC as the host institution in Ghana.
The programme is designed to equip young people with relevant skills for employment, foster agricultural innovation, and position universities as strategic drivers of national development.
Welcoming the delegation, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto, expressed the University's commitment for hosting TAGDev 2.0, citing UCC’s long-standing expertise in agricultural training and research.
He noted the University’s dedication to the programme’s success, evidenced by the provision of dedicated office infrastructure, and dedicated support from management.
Prof. Aheto indicated that work transition was the central focus of the University’s programme and aligned seamlessly with the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of transforming the University into an entrepreneurial institution. The Pro Vice-Chancellor stated. “It’s about equipping our graduates not just for jobs, but to become innovators and job creators themselves.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto (right) with Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, Prof. Patrick Okori
Prof. Okori lauded UCC for its readiness and commitment to the TAGDev initiative, describing Ghana as a strategic country with strong institutional capacity, a stable governance environment, and a dynamic youth population.
“TAGDev is more than just training. It is about transitioning graduates into productive employment and transforming universities into engines of policy innovation and national development,” he stated.
Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, Prof. Patrick Okori and Manager Skilling, Engagement for Community Development, Prof. Anthony Egeru
He added that RUFORUM has already supported the training of over 6,000 PhDs across Africa and aims to train 100,000 PhDs under the Agenda 2063.
Speaking at the event, TAGDev 2.0 Programme Coordinator at UCC, Prof. Festus Annor-Frempong, explained that UCC’s selection followed a rigorous due diligence process. He highlighted that since December 2024, the University has rolled out key activities aligned with the programme’s objectives, laying a strong foundation for impact.
Prof. Festus Annor-Frempong speaking at the meeting
Prof. Anthony Egeru, another member of the RUFORUM delegation, emphasized the transformational agenda of TAGDev 2.0 and underscored the importance of strategic partnerships, local ownership, and strong institutional leadership.
He praised UCC’s infrastructure and preparedness, describing it as a benchmark for other partner institutions.
Throughout the five-day visit, the RUFORUM team is expected to engage with university leadership, implementation teams, and key stakeholders to deliberate on issues of institutionalization, financing, and the long-term sustainability of the TAGDev programme.
TAGDev 2.0 is envisioned as a game-changing initiative that will contribute significantly to Ghana’s agricultural transformation, particularly through skills development, community-based research, and inclusive, climate-resilient growth.