The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) through its Department of Geological Engineering, has formalised a partnership with the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to enhance student training, research output and knowledge exchange between academia and industry.
Dean of the International Programmes Office (IPO), Prof. Edmund Ekuadzi, described the partnership as a reunion of long-standing collaborators committed to advancing geoscience education and research in Ghana.
Provost of the College of Engineering, Prof. Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, said although KNUST and GGSA had collaborated over the years, the agreement would formalise and strengthen the relationship.
He explained that the partnership would focus on joint geological research initiatives, internship and training opportunities for students, and active collaboration between staff of both institutions in line with national priorities.
According to him, the collaboration would also promote knowledge exchange through seminars, workshops, public lectures and career fairs, while enhancing laboratory facilities to improve research and service delivery.
“We want them to help strengthen our laboratories so that we can provide better services to the country and improve training. We also intend to collaborate in sourcing external funding and technical support to drive national development,” he said.
Director-General of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, Dr. Prosper Aduh Akaba, reaffirmed GGSA’s commitment to the partnership and disclosed that discussions leading to the agreement had begun at the ministerial level.
“The conversation started with the Minister himself after the Head of Department wrote to him last year. He instructed me to work with the department, and through our engagements, we concluded that we needed a formal agreement to guide our collaboration,” he said.
Dr. Akaba further disclosed that the memorandum of understanding had received approval from the Minister and had been reviewed by the Ministry’s legal team.
He also highlighted ongoing collaborative activities between KNUST and GGSA, particularly in staff training and research.
Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to impactful research, training and capacity building that address societal challenges.
She noted that the collaboration would contribute significantly to national and continental development through student training, research and innovation.
“We are impacting our students, our communities, Ghana, the sub-region, Africa, and ultimately the globe. That is what this partnership is about,” she stated.
Prof. Dickson also expressed appreciation to the Minister for supporting the collaboration and assured GGSA of KNUST’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to the partnership.
“We are ready, willing, and equipped to walk this path with your institution. Anytime you are looking for partners, KNUST is ready,” she affirmed.
