KNUST undoubtedly remains the excellent centre for providing quality Science and Technology education in the country. It became justifiable when the Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Kwasi Ahwoi, called on the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa to familiarise himself with the new mounted programme, “Veterinary Science” established in the College of Health Science.
According to the minister, there are only 110 Veterinary Doctors throughout the country of which 5 would be retiring this year. He also highlighted on the cost involved in training one Veterinary doctor outside the country. “Interested persons who were sent to receive training caused the country a lot of money. That was a clear indication that, the country was in need of doctors for the Veterinary service. It was appropriate that KNUST took the mantle to introduce here to train the young and up coming-ones”, he added. He also called on students to enrol in the Veterinary Medicine programme by virtue of it being a noble profession.
In addition, he petitioned the assembly to join in the effort of making the programme recognisable in the country and gave assurance that his ministry would support the University by mobilising resources to develop it.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. K. K. Adarkwa welcomed the Minister and his entourage and stated that, their visit was very much appreciated. He described the meeting as a platform which would enable the Minister and his team to be acquainted with the new programme. He disclosed that, the University recognising the need for the programme in the country, resolved and made efforts to establish Veterinary programme to cater for the health of animals in the country, regardless of any constraints that would be encountered.
Prof. Adarkwa presented a catalog of difficulties which the University has been facing and highlighted on logistics, fundings, and facilities for student practical projects. He therefore called on the minister to mobilise resources to help develop the programme for it to take its rightful place as far as the development of the country is concerned. He asked the pioneer students to do their best for the programme to be well recognised. He said “count yourselves fortunate for being pioneers. Whether you get recognition or not, depends on your output.”
Prof. Peter Donkor, Provost of the College of Health Sciences acknowledged the Minister for his inspirational speech and requested for the Ministry to create a Veterinary Education fund which would cater for the school and serve as a source of scholarship for students. In his address, he made it clear that it would encourage and motivate more students to enrol in the programme. He said, currently the department shares laboratory, structures, finances, among others with her sister programmes. He also touched on the issue of internship for students to be accustomed with field practise.
In the end, the Minister announced his kind donation of double cabin pick-up vehicle to the Veterinary programme. The Acting Dean of the Veterinary Science, expressed profound appreciation to the minister and promised to use the vehicle for the intended purpose.
The minister finally promised to invite representatives of the University to participate in an impending meeting with the World Bank. This was to give them a platform to articulate their concerns and solicit for funds.
