Mrs. Faustina Mensah, a member of Faculty of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology has donated assorted laboratory equipment valued at twenty thousand Ghana cedis (Ghc 20,000) to the Department.
Presenting the items, Mrs. Mensah stated that her donation is to encourage other alumni and staff of the Faculty to contribute to the development of the Faculty. The kind gesture follows earlier discussion with the Head of Department on her intention and in consultation with the Laboratory Committee of the Department to help meet some of their needs.
Mrs. Mensah indicated that she had worked in the Department and KNUST throughout her working years and having been part of the Department for about three decades, she deemed it appropriate and as her appreciation to the Department for the opportunity given her to be of service to the College and the Nation as a whole.
Receiving the items on behalf of the Department, the Head, Dr. Peter Twumasi said the donation is in line with the Presidents vision of Ghana beyond aid. He noted that mostly institutions seek for support from external sources but it is gratifying that Faculty in and alumni are making efforts to support the Department.
Dr. Twumasi further said when he took office as the Head, he had been championing efforts in this regard and thanked the donor for the support. He believed the donation will help facilitate teaching and research in the Department.
Dean of the Faculty of Biosciences, Professor Philip K. Baidoo, in his remarks was grateful that the donation will help in the practical training of students. He however, lamented on the assertion by some industry players that graduates are not produced for industry. According to Professor Baidoo, the University was not set up to train graduates for a particular industry and that the University trains the intellectual faculty and the hands of students in diverse areas of study and it is up to industry to train graduates for their purposes.
Professor Mrs. Ibok Oduro commended Mrs. Mensah for the donation and stated that it is necessary to enhance practical training and development of students.
Dr. Reginald A. Annan dedicated the donated laboratory equipment which include Top Balance 300g (OHAUS Ranger), Benchtop pH/Conductivity Meter (APERA) and Pipette Filler (25ml and10ml)