The Bryant University in the United States of America (USA) has expressed its desire to forge a strong partnership with Ghana in the areas of business, education, and sports beyond the FIFA World Cup.
With the Black Stars expected to camp and use the university’s facilities, officials said the tournament presents an opportunity for Ghanaian and American students to benefit from exchange programmes across various fields.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Accra on Monday, the Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships and Professor of Economics at Bryant University, Dr Edi Tebaldi, stated: “We are here to establish a foundation for academic and economic collaboration that is sustainable and mutually beneficial.”
He explained that Ghana’s youthful and talented population makes it an ideal partner in achieving the university’s vision of developing young talents to contribute to economic growth.
According to Dr Tebaldi, the university has over the years trained many Ghanaian students who were now contributing to the country’s socio-economic development through the knowledge and skills they acquired.
He further noted that Ghana could become a technology and industrial hub through such collaboration, supported by the university’s multidisciplinary approach, which prepares graduates to lead in emerging industries and innovation hubs worldwide.
“By linking the emerging industries of Ghana with the innovation hubs of Rhode Island and the academic expertise of Bryant University, we are building a partnership that will thrive for decades to come,” he stated.
As part of its visit, a delegation from the university, Dr Tebaldi emphasised, would engage with selected universities, businesses, corporate organisations, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and government agencies to explore avenues for establishing the partnership.
Dr Tebaldi also expressed gratitude to the GFA for selecting Bryant University as the Black Stars’ camping base during the FIFA World Cup.
A student-athlete at the university, Mr Augustine Boadi, expressed his readiness to contribute to the development of sports, particularly football in Ghana through collaboration with the GFA.
Mrs Liz Tanner, Executive Director of Ocean State 2026, a non-profit organisation, focused on maximising Rhode Island’s economic and tourism benefits from the tournament, assured the national team of comfort and hospitality during their stay at the university.
BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY
