The College of Art and Built Environment at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, has hosted the Managing Director of Krombacher Brewery, Mr. Oliver Braun, and former member of the German Federal Parliament, Hon. Volkmar Klein, as part of a four-day visit to Ghana aimed at strengthening business and institutional partnerships.
The visit forms part of efforts by the German beverage company to explore Ghana as a strategic entry point into the African market. Krombacher, the market leader in beer, malt and other soft drinks in Germany, currently has no operational presence on the African continent and is assessing opportunities to introduce its brands to the sub-Saharan African market.
The engagement follows an invitation by the Angel Group of Companies and is part of broader discussions on the feasibility of establishing production and distribution partnerships in Ghana, including the construction of a proposed 60 million US dollar brewery near Boankra.
The Provost of the College of Art and Built Environment, Professor Christian Koranteng, welcomed the delegation and emphasised the role of universities in supporting industrial innovation and economic development.
During the visit, the delegation interacted with leadership and staff of the College in discussions coordinated by Dr. Ralph Nyadu-Addo, Head of the Corporate Affairs Office of CABE, where possible areas of collaboration were explored.
The College Registrar, Mr. Anthony Agyapong, described the meeting as an important step toward building institutional partnerships.
Professor Joseph Kidido, Head of the Department of Land Economy, highlighted the department’s national mandate and its readiness to support industry partnerships.
“Our department provides the foundational tools and professional advice required in Ghana’s land sector,” he said. “We are at the centre of training the human resource base needed for national development, and we are open to supporting initiatives where our expertise becomes relevant.”
Also present at the meeting was Professor Jacob K. Agbenorhevi, Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology at KNUST, who indicated that the Department would be ready to collaborate with the project in research, product development and laboratory testing services.
Mr. Braun expressed optimism about Ghana’s market environment and the possibility of building long-term partnerships in the region.
“We see strong potential in Ghana and the wider West African market,” he said. “Our visit is to understand the terrain better and to explore sustainable ways of introducing our products while building local partnerships.”
Hon. Volkmar Klein, a long-standing advocate for African–German cooperation, reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting private sector partnerships between the two countries.
“Over the past three decades, I have maintained close relations with Ghana,” he said. “I remain committed to supporting business development, institutional cooperation and initiatives that enhance economic growth and mutual benefit.”
Hon. Klein previously facilitated the visit of KNUST staff, students and alumni to the Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia in 2024 and supported engagements aimed at fostering sister-city relationships between Ghanaian traditional authorities and German municipalities in 2025. He continues to assist businesses seeking partnerships and funding opportunities in Germany through his public service and board experience.
By Alice Laura Kyerewaah Prempeh and Akosua Konadu Bandoh.
