The COA Research and Manufacturing Company Limited (COA-RMCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The University of Cape Coast (UCC) to undertake several collaborative initiatives aimed at bridging the Academia-Industry gap.

The MoU, among other things, seeks to promote research and innovations in plant medicines and the cultivation of medicinal plants.

The agreement will also afford students of UCC the opportunity to receive internship and practical entrepreneurial training from the COA-RMCL.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong noted that the world of work has become very competitive hence the need for academia to work closely with industry in order to prepare students adequately

He observed that the University has followed closely the various initiatives by the COA-RMCL under the leadership of Professor Samuel Ato Duncan, and they are convinced that a collaboration between the two entities will churn out enormous benefits not only to the Ghanaian people but the world at large.

The Vice-Chancellor also expressed appreciation to the COA-RMCL for the continuous support to the UCC over the years.

The Founder/CEO of the COA-RMCL, Professor Samuel Ato Duncan observed that Ghana has numerous medicinal plants that have the potential for the treatment of various conditions that have been termed incurable.

He said if Ghana is able to package these medications to meet international standards, it will not only be meeting the health needs of people globally but will rake in forex exchange to support our economy.

Professor Duncan expressed his optimism that the agreement between the two institutions will be fruitful, making it a model for Academia-Industry partnership in plant medicine in Ghana.

The Founder/CEO, Professor Samuel Ato Duncan, signed on behalf of the COA-RMCL, while Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong appended his signature on behalf of UCC.

The signing was witnessed by The Executive Assistant to COA-RMCL, Dr. Grace Bimpong, and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for UCC Professor Rosemond Boohene.

The University of Cape Coast has a formidable track record both locally and internationally. UCC, according to the Times Higher Education Rankings, is the first in Ghana and West Africa, Fourth in Africa, 24^th globally, and among the top 400 Universities globally.