Formal Launch of PhD Program: Ghana-German Centre for Development Studies and Health Research.

The Ghanaian-German Centre for Development Studies and Health Research: Program for Development Studies was formally launched on 16th June, 2009 at the Conference Hall of Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research at the University of Ghana campus. The launch of the program was organised by ISSER and the School of Public Health with support from other partners.

The chairman for the occasion was Prof. Aaron Lawson. Dr Richard Adanu was the master of ceremony introducing the various speakers for the occasion. The welcome address was given by the Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ahunu who welcomed all guests on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of University of Ghana and expressed appreciation

A short address was given by Mr. Hans Winkler, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy. He emphasized that the embassy is ready to help with programs that are German related to help strengthen Ghana-German relations.    The Executive Secretary of National Council for Tertiary Education in his short address on the expectations policy makers have of current researchers and lecturers which included developing policy oriented topics for research whose outcome could be used by policy makers.

Dr. Helmut Blumbach, a representative from DAAD expressed the readiness of DAAD to fund educational programs and also requested that the various partners all cooperate fully to make a success of the project.

Prof. Binka Dean of School of Public Health, after a coffee break and musical interlude, explained the measures that have been put in place for the smooth take-off of the program of Health Research. He also presented an overview of the program of Health Research. He concluded by expressing appreciation of SPH to DAAD for their donor support in making the program a reality.

In his overview of work done so far by ISSER, the Director, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, explained that ISSER already has achieved remarkable prominence in terms of working with international institutions on various projects related to education thus ISSER sees the program of development studies as an addition to many for which commitment is very possible. He also explained how far the first year has gone in terms of tuition and infrastructure and further plans of development. He also expressed his appreciation on behalf of ISSER to DAAD and other partners including ZEF for making the program a reality.
An important part of the Program was the handing over of name plates by the Director of DAAD, Dr. Helmut Blumbach to ISSER and SPH The name plates were made of glass with the various logos of the cooperating partners and donors. These symbolised the union of all parties and could be placed at various centres of research
There was buffet lunch for all during which the there was socialization and interchange of ideas by participants