Accra, July 4, GNA - The University of Ghana and IBM has signed a collaboration agreement to foster new entrepreneurial approaches to education, research and development.

It is also to support the adoption of new technologies such as cloud computing and business analytics.

"This agreement underscores IBM's commitment to Ghana and the importance of information technology in the country's development," Mr Joe Mensah, Country General Manager of IBM Ghana said. "By leveraging cutting edge technologies, the University of Ghana ha= s a real opportunity to develop in key areas, such as education, research and development, which can play a key role in increasing Ghana's competitivenes= s in a global economy," he added. The agreement was signed by Dr Mark Dean, Vice President and IBM Fello= w and Professor Ernest Aryeetey, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ghana in Accra.

As part of the agreement, the two parties will work together and share insights and experiences in areas of mutual interest. One of the first areas for collaboration will be the establishment and development of educational programmes and curricula to strengthen skills in information technology and improve access to education, especially in remot= e areas of the country. IBM will also provide its technology experts to the university to assist with guest lectures and the roll out of technical courses. As part of IBM's centennial celebration in Ghana, it hosted a lectur= e by Dr Dean about the use of information technologies to improve the management of natural resources.

The lecture was designed to help strengthen Ghana's ability to effectively manage her recently exploited oil and gas resources. "Ghana has a long history in mining and agriculture and has recently discovered oil and gas on her shores. IBM's Smart Solutions can enable Ghana's industries to optimise their operations and ensure efficient extraction of these valuable resources," said Dr Dean. IBM opened a subsidiary office in Ghana in 2010, as part of the company's geographic expansion initiative across the African continent. In addition to its day-to-day commercial business, IBM has been engage= d in capacity building in Ghana.