Otumfuo’s Trip To Memphis Bears Fruit For Ghanaian Students

A trip to Memphis in the United States of America by Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has birthed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat and the University of Memphis.

The MoU was finally signed last week.

The King, while addressing the University of Memphis as part of his invitation to partake in the traditional Memphis In May Festival in 2022, called for a collaboration between the University and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana.

Exactly a year down the line, this has been realized.

In a Facebook post, the Registrar of the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, Mr Kingsley Agyemang, said the King’s influence has birthed an MoU between the University of Memphis and the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat.

A Ghanaian delegation led by Mr Agyemang signed the MoU in the US.

The Ghanaian side included Richard Gyamfi (Head of International Relations & Partnerships) Janet Koranteng (Head of Treasury, Ghana Embassy, Washington D.C.), and Nana Owiredu Wadie (Member, of Scholarship Review Committee).

The University of Memphis was represented by Dr Abby L Parril (Interim Provost), Raaj Kurapati – (Executive Vice President and Chief Operating & Financial Officer), Dr Balaji Krishnan (Vice Provost), and International Affairs Mrs Rebecca Laumann, M. Phil., – Executive Director, Center for International Education Services.

With the MoU, Mr Kingsely explained, students in Ghana will be able to undertake their internship programmes in some companies in Memphis such as Fed Ex, Autozone, Sedgwick Jone Incorporated, International Paper, Baptist Memorial Healthcare, First Horizon National Incorporated (NYSE: FHN) and Mueller Industries.

“What this means is that academia and industry will gradually be bridged as these companies will provide essential Internship programmes for Ghanaian students. Discussions between these companies and the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat have started.”

In Memphis, Otumfuo graced the Ghana Live Riches & Rhythms performance at the Orpheum Theatre on May 5 and the Black Star Black Tie Gala on May 6- which among other things celebrated the King’s 72nd birthday.

The King addressed the University of Memphis and held a traditional Asante durbar at Historic Beale Street on May 7 where the rich Asante culture and heritage were displayed.