As part of the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) ongoing strategy to foster global engagement and research activities on the African continent, the institution has signed a collaborative agreement with the Ghana Water Resources Commission (WRC).

The three-year agreement aims to strengthen collaboration through joint research and student/staff exchange programmes with a strong focus on innovation in water management and sustainability.

The WRC was led by His Royal Majesty, Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, who is the Chair of the WRC Board, Dr Mawuli Lumor, Executive Secretary to His Royal Majesty, and Ms Florence Mawusi Dagbanu.

UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi said the partnership was an exciting one.

“UJ is a university that is passionate about societal impact throughout the continent. This collaboration is extremely important for us to partner with Ghana, through research, working closely with our experts.”

The partnership, set to drive impactful solutions for some of the most pressing water challenges facing the continent, will bring together experts from UJ’s Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE).

Other areas of collaboration are grant applications, joint fundraising initiatives, and innovation and technology transfer.

The university already has relationships with several higher learning institutions in Ghana, and this agreement will help to facilitate increased academic and cultural exchange.

Prof Mpedi added that the collaboration aligned with the Strategic Plan 2035.

“We believe that through this collaboration, we can develop longstanding and sustainable partnerships that will further strengthen UJ as a leader in research and innovation on the African continent.”

The Faculty of Science will focus on nanotechnology and water treatment research, while FEBE will actively engage industry partners through guest lectures and workshops to advance water health projects.

“The collaboration is something that will change lives in Ghana because we believe safe water is life. You can’t survive if you don’t have good water to drink,” said His Royal Majesty, Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, emphasising the importance of collaborative research into Ghana’s water system, long-term enhancements to the water infrastructure, and the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals.

This collaboration aims to achieve tangible results and improvements in water treatment processes and quality in both Ghana and South Africa, enhancing mutual development.