The Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Kumasi, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson has hosted scholars of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST (MCFSP-KNUST) to a dinner dubbed ‘2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Reception’ on Friday, 19th May, 2023 at the Great Hall, KNUST.

The annual event was to enable the newly admitted scholars (Cohort 9 Scholars) the opportunity to socialise with other scholars and staff of the MCFSP at KNUST and some management members of the University. This year, a total of three hundred and fifty (350) new scholars comprising of two hundred and forty females (240), and one hundred and ten males (110) which includes twenty-nine (29)  PWDs were formally introduced to the Vice-Chancellor.

Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, extended a warm welcome to the Cohort 9 scholars, emphasising their valuable role in the KNUST community. She noted that being part of the MCFSP at KNUST is a lifetime opportunity that should not be taken lightly. The Vice-Chancellor urged the scholars to continue striving for excellence, add value to themselves, and actively engage in positive networking with their colleagues.

Addressing the scholars, the Lead of the MCFSP-KNUST, Professor Kofi Owusu-Daaku, stated that the opportunity given to the scholars is to position them to become ethical and transformative leaders. He further advised the scholars to be disciplined, accountable, and civil and to make use of the facilities, resources, and staff available to ensure holistic training.

The President of the Scholars Council, Mr. Dennis Kofi Pida also advised the scholars, especially the first-year students to hold in high esteem the image of the MCFSP at KNUST by ensuring that they work hard in their respective disciplines and give-back to their respective communities.

The occasion was used to honour distinguished scholars and scholar alumni in the Scholars Program at KNUST. The awardees: Eric Ofosu (BSc. Accounting/Banking and Finance) and Miss Veronica Essien (BSc. Human Resource Management) of Cohort 6 emerged as the best male and female scholars with a CWA of 81.63 and 81.29, respectively. While Cohort 7 scholars represented by Samuel Andy Afari (Doctor of Optometry) and Miss Mary-Joan Tawiah (BSc. Human Resource Management) received awards for being the best male and female scholars with a CWA of 83.73 and 82.92, respectively.

For Cohort 8; Felix Quacoe Baidoo (BSc. Land Economy) and Agnes Kimberly Lakica (BSc. Disability and Rehabilitation Studies) were awarded Best Male and Female scholars with a CWA of 85.77 and 80.41, respectively. With a CWA of 85.77, Felix Quacoe Baidoo (BSc. Land Economy) was adjudged the Overall Best Scholar.

Joined by other scholars, the Cohort 9 Scholars were treated to good food, music, and drama. The evening provided an avenue for the scholars to forge lasting connections, foster mutual support, and create lifelong memories.