By Murtala Issah
The newly appointed European Union (EU) Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, has paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, to explore strategic avenues for deepening collaboration on youth development.
The meeting, held at the Vice Chancellor’s office in Tamale, formed part of the Ambassador’s familiarisation tour and his broader commitment to engaging institutions that are shaping the capacity, aspirations, and leadership potential of young people across the country.
Mr. Skinnebach underscored the EU’s prioritisation of youth empowerment as a central pillar of its support to Ghana. He said the visit offered him an opportunity to better appreciate UDS’s youth-focused programmes and identify areas where cooperation could be further strengthened.
He noted that preparing the next generation of leaders required intentional partnerships between government, academia, and development institutions. “Every nation depends on its youth for transformational growth. This potential can only be realized through intentional investments and strong collaboration with key institutions such as UDS,” he said.
The Ambassador, as part of his visit, interacted with members of the EU Youth Sounding Board, an advisory body that provides input on youth inclusion in EU development efforts.
He also observed a debate organised by the Board on the motion: “This house will support EU suspension of agricultural imports from Ghana until galamsey-affected farmlands are fully rehabilitated.”
The debate provided a platform for young people to critically examine the far-reaching effects of illegal mining on agriculture, food systems, and the environment, while sharing ideas on the role of the youth in addressing the menace.
Mr. Skinnebach described illegal mining as a growing threat to community survival and environmental health. He urged young people to be vocal advocates for environmental protection, noting that their engagement was essential for safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources.
He emphasized that youth action, combined with national and international efforts, would be decisive in tackling the scourge of galamsey and promoting sustainable development.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for the visit and reaffirmed the University’s unwavering commitment to nurturing youth leadership and promoting student-centred development.
He highlighted the University’s strong record in academia, sports, and leadership, attributing these successes to its student-focused approach. Professor Al-Hassan stressed that the fight against illegal mining required the active participation of the youth, who hold the keys to Ghana’s future.
He encouraged students and young people nationwide to support reclamation efforts and champion environmental sustainability.
The Vice Chancellor assured the Ambassador that UDS would continue to collaborate with stakeholders, including the EU, to advance youth-led initiatives that drive national transformation.
