APROFESSOR from Lower Gornal has been named as the chief for educational development for a collection of towns and villages in Ghana.

David Edwards was bestowed the honour at the Royal Palace in Aaskyiri in recognition of his ongoing commitment to local students and the progression of education in the region.

Professor Edwards, who works at Birmingham City University, said it was "an honour and privilege" to be given the title and added: "Ghana is the shining star of Africa, its progress in primary education should be seen as a massive beacon of hope and inspiration for all Africans.

“However more needs to be done to raise the importance of further and higher education. Two-thirds of Ghanaian’s are farmers – there is so much more we could be doing with this talent to help move the country forward."

He continued: "Eventually I would like to see all locals of Asakyiri have a fair shot at a university education and the opportunity to transform their lives.”

In 2009 Professor Edwards took up the post of visiting professor at the second largest university in Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

The post followed the new education plan for Ghana that was finalised in 2007 which proposed plans to get more children into education by 2015.

Since then Ghana has been heralded as a role model for many African countries due to its access to free basic education and almost 90 per cent of Ghanaian children are now in school.

Nana Mensa Bonsu, a professor at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, said: “Professor Edwards has consistently demonstrated great leadership and commitment to inspire staff and students at the university.

“He has always given his time generously and tirelessly and has assisted colleagues to improve upon their personal development and academic profile.

“Such qualities are rare and I have every faith that David will continue to bring his international standards into this role.”