Ghana is to set up a Hospitality and Tourism University to enable the country to meet global human resource standards for the hospitality industry, Mr Tetteh Nettey, President Meridian pre-University College, has said. He told the GNA that the Marshalls University College would empower individuals and organizations with applied research, professional skills and management education necessary for exceptional performance in the hospital industry across the world. Mr Nettey said the university would achieve its objectives through fostering a school culture based on innovation, strong service and qualified dedicated staff. It will establish strong links with industry and ensure that students are groomed in line with contemporary trends within their field of study. He said Marshalls University College would also offer courses in Business Management and Administration, Hospitality and Tourism, and Modern Languages. "It will have a faculty of world class lecturers with global experience who will have the welfare of students at heart. "The root of all we do is an innate desire to ensure that all of our educational programs, our research and other professional activities continue to address the opportunities, wants and needs of the industries we serve," Mr Nettey who is also the Acting President of the Marshalls University, said. He said the University will establish links with professional associations, interconnection with hotels, food service and tourism organizations not only in Ghana but across the world. At a groundbreaking ceremony for work to start on the first phase of construction work to start along Odorkor-Mallam Highway in Accra, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo of the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) London tasked the University to make a difference in Ghana, Africa and the world as a whole. He appealed to the visionaries of the University to seek for excellence and ensure that the quality of graduates is evident in their character that would make them a positive influence to the world. He said "you should educate students who will think and act as change agents for Africa and the world, change the standard for tertiary education in Ghana, making students the focus of whatever is done". The first phase - basement, ground, first and second floors - will be completed in September for first year students to be enrolled in October. Source: GNA