BY: VoltaOnline|NewsDesk
President John Dramani Mahama has commended Ho Technical University’s (HTU) pioneering Baobab Initiative, describing it as a remarkable scientific breakthrough with immense potential for agriculture and agro‑industry.
He noted that reducing the fruiting period of baobab from over 20 years to just 27 months presents significant opportunities for nutrition, climate resilience, and economic development.
The President was speaking during a Citizens’ Engagement held at the HTU Auditorium as part of his Resetting Ghana tour of the Volta Region.
Responding to appeals from the University, he assured that the Baobab Initiative would receive the necessary attention for possible support and expansion. He further pledged that arrangements were underway for HTU to receive a fully functional bus by the following week, drawing warm applause from the University community.
On student accommodation, President Mahama acknowledged the challenge confronting many public universities and disclosed that Government intends to collaborate with institutions to identify suitable lands for hostel development. He added that partnerships with private investors would be pursued to construct additional facilities, stressing that measures would be taken to keep hostels affordable for students.
As part of his visit, President Mahama toured an exhibition mounted by the Faculty of Art and Design. He commended the students’ creativity, describing their works as an excellent demonstration of practical, hands‑on learning.
Earlier, Vice‑Chancellor Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga had appealed for Government partnership to scale up the Baobab Initiative, stressing its potential to transform agriculture and nutrition, especially in northern and savannah zones.
He also highlighted the University’s growing student population and inadequate hostel facilities, and called for support in expanding accommodation and providing a functional bus to aid academic and outreach activities.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com
