The Department of Publishing Studies at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has celebrated “20th Entrepreneurship Graduation and Awards Day” on the theme ‘‘Twenty Years of Entrepreneurship and Leadership Training in KNUST, The Way Forward.’’
In her address, Dr. Lucy Afeafa Ry-Kottoh, the Head of the Department, noted that this year’s graduation coincides with the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Publishing Studies Programme. She highlighted the vision of the Department to produce graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also equipped with the entrepreneurial skills necessary to lead and innovate globally. The event, attended by alumni, faculty, students, and industry partners, underscored the Department's mission to empower students to make a positive impact in society.
Dr. Ry-Kottoh expressed her gratitude to the University's management, faculty, alumni, and sponsors for their unwavering support since the inception of the Department in 1984. She announced the activities scheduled to mark the 40th Anniversary including a panel discussion, a colloquium, and an awards and fundraising dinner, all aimed at commemorating the Department's achievements and paving the way for future growth. Dr. Ry-Kottoh encouraged the graduates to embrace innovation and apply their skills to drive societal change. She thanked the course coordinator, Dr. Ralph Nyadu-Addo for his unwavering dedication.
According to Dr. Nyadu-Addo, two hundred and six (206) final-year students graduated from the two-semester course model this year. He indicated that the course model sought to bring industry close to academia to provide students with mentorship on different aspects of professional life and ethics. He urged the graduates to maintain discipline and good ethics as they represent the new generation of entrepreneurs, as such, Ghana and Africa expect much from them. To the award winners, Dr. Nyadu-Addo encouraged them to not be complacent but rather go the extra mile by establishing their businesses to give employment to others.
Giving the keynote address, Mr. Michael Abbiw, Lead Consultant and CEO of MGA Consulting Ghana Ltd shared his life journey and experience with the graduates, encouraging them to embrace every given opportunity to learn and remember that education is not just about acquiring facts but nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and courage to explore the unknown. Sharing some invaluable lessons that have guided him throughout his career, Mr. Abbiw advised the graduates to set challenging goals; look for mentors and listen to them. He further told the graduates to be ready to serve and be humble; live a modest life and support others; do not celebrate too quickly; socialise and network; and, to remember their roots and be grounded in their values.
Mr. Abbiw remarked, ‘you are the torchbearers of entrepreneurship and leadership, and I have no doubt that you will continue to make significant contributions to society.’
Fourteen outstanding students from the graduating class of 2024 received awards in the General Awards category, including the prestigious Michael Abbiw Overall Best Student award presented to Dogbe Ernestina Elikem. Additionally, Adu Kingsley Asare received the BlueVyne 2nd Overall Best Student award, while Duodu Richard was given the Excellence Publication 3rd Overall Best Student award. Also, Carry Go Packaging, We Nwa Farms and Six Special Enterprise were awarded Dr. Asare Akuffo Overall Best, 2nd Best and 3rd Best Business Plan awards, respectively. King David Obeng received the Kelly Oduro Best Student Entrepreneur Award.
Other awards included Best Design Student- Chelsea Aba Kwansin Yawson; Best Illustration Student, Abigail Amponsah; Best Authorship, Clara Subleh Hesse; Best Finance/Accounting, Emmanuel Kofi Dzotepe; Best Estimation Student, Asamoah Mordecai Osei; Most Disciplined Student, Abigail Allotey.
Leadership award male and female - Godfred Adjei and Amdan Eghan; Special award for Exceptional Service and Dedication male and female- Holdbrook Ben Nuakoh and Margaret Afriyie Owusu.
