Visit to Kumasi (Ghana) to launch joint degree program in environmental engineering

Staff from the Department of Environmental Engineering and Remote Sensing at SGGW visited Ghana from February 17-23, 2025. Dr. Jaroslaw Chormanski, Prof. SGGW, and Dr. Pawel Sudra were on a visit to Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) in connection with the launch of the project “POKAZ – Kumasi”, funded under the KATAMARAN program by the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA). The project concerns the implementation of a joint master’s degree program in Environmental Engineering, “Modern Engineering in Water Management,” in a formula that allows the awarding of master’s degrees from both universities to students from Ghana and Poland. We were hosted by the staff of the Faculty of Building and Environment, in particular: Prof. Dr. Addo Koranteng, Associate Dean for International Affairs and Institutional Relations (and also a graduate of Forestry at SGGW); Prof. Sarfo Mensah; Head of the Office of International Affairs and Institutional Relations, Dr. Elijah Frimpong Boadu, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering.

During the visit, representatives of the Institute of Civil Engineering had the opportunity to see KsTU’s two campuses (the old one located in the center of the city and the new one on its outskirts), including the computer labs, research laboratories and available measurement equipment, equipped by KsTU’s Department of Civil Engineering; learned about the wide range of classes offered here (as diverse as mechanics, tailoring, real estate management, art and creativity, and others); visited the university’s proposed rooms for Polish students; learned about the social, cultural and recreational offerings of the university and the city of Kumasi. It is the country’s second largest city and the capital of the Ashanti region, located about 250 kilometers northwest of Accra. Communication with the capital is provided by air and bus services. Some of the city’s attractions include the Mahniya Palace, the Central Market and the Kumasi Fort.

In the official parts of the events, a working meeting was held to formally launch the cooperation already undertaken on the “POKAZ – Kumasi” project, with discussion and debate on the content of the cooperation agreement, project schedule and class syllabuses. In addition, SGGW staff had the opportunity to participate in the matriculation of first-year KsTU students, which had a very festive character. There was also time to visit the country’s natural gems, such as Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary and Aburi Botanical Gardens. We were met with great hospitality from the staff of Kumasi Technical University and look forward to continued fruitful cooperation.