The Minister for Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has assured the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) that funding from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has been secured for the completion of the University's Teaching Hospital, with the facility expected to be ready by the end of 2026.
Mr. Iddrisu gave the assurance when the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Christian Agyare, and members of the University's Management paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Education.
"We expect that by the end of this year, it should be ready so that at least you have some medical facility, which will facilitate teaching and learning and, more importantly, serve the people in that area and other parts of the country," Mr. Iddrisu said.
He said growing demand for higher education placed a responsibility on KNUST to maintain its position as a leading science and technology institution.
Mr. Iddrisu urged the University to preserve its science-oriented character and strengthen its focus on engineering and other science-related disciplines.
"You are the future, and that is the future. KNUST must maintain its College of Engineering," he said, adding that the University was known for producing highly skilled engineering graduates.
The Minister also expressed concern about the treatment of students by private hostel operators, saying accommodation providers must recognise students' welfare and comply with commitments made to the University.
"Tenants are not supposed to abuse our students and treat them as if we are in a laissez-faire economy," he said.
Mr. Iddrisu said the University should ensure that private hostel operators fulfilled their responsibilities to students and adhered to agreed standards.
He expressed confidence in Professor Agyare's leadership and said he expected the Vice-Chancellor to make the University and its stakeholders proud during his tenure.
Professor Agyare, speaking on behalf of the Chancellor, the Chairman of the University Council and Management, thanked the Ministry of Education for its continued support for KNUST.
He expressed particular appreciation for the Ministry's commitment to completing the Teaching Hospital and expanding medical education at the University.
Professor Agyare said KNUST was repositioning itself to respond to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), while maintaining its traditional strengths in engineering and the sciences.
"When the University was established, the focus was more on engineering and then the other sciences. That is what we want to reinvent ourselves with emerging technologies," he said.
He said the University had introduced programmes in artificial intelligence and was investing in AI-related research and academic programmes.
Professor Agyare also outlined plans to expand medical education in Kumasi, saying the University would require continued government support to achieve its objectives.
The Vice-Chancellor said KNUST would transform its Technology Consultancy Centre (TCC) and deepen engagement with stakeholders, particularly in technology transfer and emerging technologies.
He added that the University would work with the Director-General and other stakeholders to develop strategies to improve internally generated funds (IGF) and mobilise resources to support its programmes and initiatives.
Professor Agyare appealed to the Ministry to sustain its support and cooperation with the University.
The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by the Director of TCC, Prof. Francis Davis, Registrar, Mr. Benjamin Owusu; the Finance Officer, Dr. Charles Nsiah; and Dr. (Mrs.) Joy S. Amankwah, Senior Registrar and Head of the University's Accra Office.
Story and Photos: Emmanuel Offei
