By Peter Agengre
Management of the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies, in the Upper East Region is advocating for a grass economic policy and programme to tackle land degradation and deforestation. It is also hoping to catch the eye of government or philanthropists for funding support to put up a library complex to support more students in need of quality education. The institute at its tenth-anniversary celebration graduated another batch of students in Mphil and PhD programmes for the 2023/2024 academic year.
In 1990, the MITDS journey started with the acquisition of a parcel of land and subsequently opening its doors in 2014. With determined steps, the Institute has successfully hit a decade which is a significant milestone in its life. In what turned out to be an emotional moment for the president of the institute during the anniversary celebration, the Council Chairman, Naa Ganglaar Bog-Belagr Tater said the investments made in MITDS have yielded very significant gains since its inception while calling for a grass economy policy and programme.
“The Council has always observed with keen interest the ground-breaking community level researches undertaken by MITDS using dry grass otherwise considered to be a nuisance in this part of the world. It is only appropriate that we as a council add our voice to the call for a dedicated Grass Economy Policy and Program specifically for Northern Ghana.” Naa Ganglaar said.
In the council chairman’s findings, “we already anticipate a very drastic reduction in perennial bushfires and their attendant effects on the climate as a result of the huge carbon emission that accompanies annual bushfires.”
Six students graduated with MPhil in Culture and Development Studies while eight had PhD in the same programme. The President of MITDS, Professor Dr. David Millar recounted how the institute has intensified Masters and PhD programmes.
“We stepped down our undergraduate programmes in the interim whiles intensifying our Masters and PhD programmes. We have also intensified Research and Development and increased our rural community visibility over the ten years. Resources permitting, we would be revamping and rolling out a couple of undergraduate and certificate courses going forward.” Professor Millar announced.
A Council Chairman of the Institute Naa Ganglaar Bog-Belagr Tater V hailed the investments made in MITDS which has yielded significant gains in its contributions to the country’s manpower development.
The Upper East Regional Minister Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih called on the alumni and the student body to be good ambassadors of the institute. In a valedictory speech, Josephine Ohene-Boateng who graduated with a PhD in Culture and Development Studies described Prof. Millar as a role model who has taught them to apply the knowledge gained in the socio-economic development of the society.