A delegation from the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB), led by its Managing Director, Mr. Farihan Alhassan, paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson.
The meeting aimed to introduce Mr. Alhassan as the new Managing Director of GCB and explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration between the bank and the university.
Mr. Alhassan expressed his appreciation to KNUST for its long-standing partnership with GCB. He acknowledged the strong banking relationship between the two institutions and emphasized the need to further deepen this bond.
“We have enjoyed meaningful collaboration over the years, and we are here to explore additional areas of partnership while reinforcing our existing relationship,” he stated.
As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), Mr. Alhassan disclosed GCB’s commitment to making a lasting impact on communities, particularly in education.
He underscored the bank’s prioritization of education as a critical driver of societal development.
“It is important that we collaborate to make a meaningful impact on the community. Any society that does not prioritize education is doomed to fail. For us at GCB, education is important because it is not just about acquiring knowledge but about creating real impact,” he noted.
Mr. Alhassan, an alumnus of KNUST, expressed his pride in returning to his alma mater to contribute to its development. He pledged an amount of GHC 50,000 to support the Students' Entrepreneurship Fund of the University.
“It is a privilege to be back. Twenty years ago, I was a student here, and today, I return as a leader with the opportunity to give back to my university,” he remarked.
Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson commended Mr. Alhassan and GCB for their continued support and expressed pride in the achievements of KNUST alumni who are making significant contributions across various sectors.
“Everywhere you go, you will find a Teknokrat solving societal issues and making a positive impact. We are proud of you,” she stated.
She further assured GCB of the university’s support and reiterated the strong relationship with the bank.
“KNUST and GCB have shared a longstanding partnership. We have worked together for many years, and we will continue to do so,” she affirmed.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed enthusiasm about GCB’s commitment to expanding its CSR initiatives and highlighted key areas where the bank’s support could be beneficial.
These include the establishment of an entrepreneurial hub to address unemployment, as well as investment in research and development.
Present at the meeting from KNUST were the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Asamoah; the Finance Officer, Dr. Charles Nsiah; the Deputy Registrar for Academic Affairs, Mrs. Lucy Diawuo; and the Deputy Librarian, Dr. Richard Bruce Lamptey.
