The College of Engineering (CoE) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has honoured its distinguished alumni and raised funds for the CoE Endowment Fund at the ‘College of Engineering Excellence Awards & Fundraising Dinner.’ The event was held at the Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra on Friday, 8th November 2024.
The Endowment Fund aims to support postgraduate scholarships covering full tuition and stipends. It will also foster the development of engineering innovations, funding projects from incubation to prototyping and commercialisation. Additionally, the fund will equip the College's laboratories and workshops with state-of-the-art equipment to elevate research quality while supporting the recruitment of international and adjunct lecturers from industry to enrich the academic experience.
In his opening remarks, Professor Jerry John Kponyo, Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, described the event as “a significant moment in the life of university education in the country.” He stressed the importance of collaboration among industry, academia, government, alumni, students, and other key stakeholders in fulfilling the University's mission of teaching, research, and community service. Professor Kponyo emphasised that alumni contributions worldwide extend beyond financial support to include mentorship and co-teaching, which help to elevate universities on the global stage. He expressed appreciation for the alumni’s dedication to giving back and their role in enhancing the impact of the College.
The Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, expressed deep appreciation to the alumni community, saying, "what we appreciate will always appreciate." She acknowledged the alumni as invaluable partners in KNUST’s journey, highlighting their contributions as a significant source of pride for the University. She commended the College for taking a bold step in establishing an endowment fund to support KNUST’s future and praised both past and current leaders of the College for their contributions. Professor Dickson emphasised that the University’s mission cannot be fully realised without alumni support. She, therefore, encouraged them to continue their impactful work, which is vital for KNUST's success.
In his address, Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, the Provost of the College of Engineering, highlighted the importance of celebrating alumni achievements, describing them as heroes whose successes reflect the quality of education they have received at KNUST. He expressed hope that the event would inspire current students by showcasing the impact they, too, could make in the future. Professor Nyarko revealed that when the Government of Ghana provided a grant of USD 17.4 million to establish three Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE), the College expanded access to postgraduate engineering training, which has significantly contributed to Ghana’s economic growth. However, with ACE funding ending soon, he explained that the College launched the Endowment Fund to sustain its advancements and secure resources for innovation, scholarships, research grants, and laboratory improvements. He called on attendees to support such transformative initiative to ensure continued progress.
The Omanhene of the Juaben Traditional Area and the Chairman of the eighth Council of State of the Fourth Republic, Ghana, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, urged students, alumni, partners, and friends of KNUST to join in building and advancing the College of Engineering to new heights, aiming to elevate KNUST as a hub of quality education, innovation and future changemakers. Demonstrating his support for the Endowment Fund, Nana Otuo Siriboe II contributed One Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GhȻ 100,000.00)
The event honoured distinguished alumni for their impactful contributions to engineering, academia, and industry. Nana Otuo Siriboe II received the Distinguished Alumni Excellence Award for Career Achievement, while Ing. Dr. Kofi Asare-Yeboah was awarded for his Outstanding Achievements.
The Distinguished Alumni Award for Academic Excellence went to the former Provosts of the College; Prof. Fred Ohene Akuffo, Prof. Ebenezer Asafua Jackson, Emeritus Prof. Francis Warings Yao Momade, Ing. Prof. Samuel Innocent Kofi Ampadu, and Ing. Prof. Mark Adom-Asamoah for their dedication to engineering education. Mr. Kwasi Nyamekye received the Distinguished Alumni Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and prominent leaders such as Ing. Ebenezer Essienyi (GRIDCo) and Ing. Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa (VRA) were celebrated as Distinguished Alumni CEOs for their leadership in key sectors.
Dr. Alexander Raymond Anim-Mensah received the Alumni Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Diaspora), while the Volta River Authority was honoured as an Outstanding Corporate Organisation for its support of KNUST. Ing. Robert Kumapley and Dr. Joseph Akyeampong were also appreciated for their charitable contributions through BOJA Solutions in the USA.
Distinguished alumni providing exceptional services in their departments were celebrated, and special awards were presented to donors who contributed Fifty Thousand Ghana cedis (GhȻ 50,000.00) or more to the Endowment Fund.
