The Alumni Association of the University has held its 6th National Biennial Congress in a colourful ceremony at Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana. The Congress was held for graduates of KNUST popularly referred to as "Teknokrats", with the aim of sharing ideas to move the University forward on the theme: "Ghana's Oil Find - The relevance of the Teknokrat in its utilization for National Development."
The National President of KNUST Alumni Association, Mr. Tony Danklu, described the theme as a catalyst towards the achievement of the nation's dream for development and industrial transformation. He underscored the Association's readiness to collaborate with the University and the various recognized professional bodies in order to move the University forward.
Mr. Danklu expressed his appreciation to the Chairman of the University Council and the Vice-Chancellor for admitting the Alumni Association into the Council and other committees of the University. He disclosed that, the Association would commence a housing project, the "Alumni Jubilee Hostel" to help solve the accommodation problems of students.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Energy, Dr. Joe Oteng-Adjei (an alumnus), observed that, the development of oil and gas in Ghana will be a source of growth and poverty reduction. He hinted that, Government would support KNUST in funding different projects at an estimated cost of US$ 6 million.
Dr. Oteng-Adjei identified the purchase of text books and journals; career development; refurbishment of the Chemical Engineering Laboratory; teaching and research activities as some of the areas the funds would cover. He, therefore, urged "Teknokrats" to reposition themselves so as to meet the technological challenges confronting the emerging oil and gas industry in Ghana.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor William O. Ellis, intimated that his vision is to reposition KNUST as a global institution for Science and Technology with national development as the focus. He explained that his priority shall include science and technology research, information and communication technology, quality assurance, capacity building and collaborations. He indicated that the KNUST Teaching Hospital would also receive much priority.
Professor Ellis assured the delegates that the School of Graduate Studies would undergo a restructuring exercise; demand-driven programmes would be introduced; the Institute of Distance Learning would be expanded; and a Postgraduate Research Fund would be established.
Prof. Ellis lauded the Energy Minister, Dr. Joseph Oteng-Adjei for his unflinching support to the University with regard to projects funding. "Every university would be strengthened by its Alumni", he noted.
On his part, the Chairman of the University Council, Honourable Paul Victor Obeng, described the quest for moving the University forward as a shared responsibility. He advised "Teknokrats" to engage in research activities and contribute in solving societal problems. He commended the Vice-Chancellor for his inspirational vision geared towards uplifting the image of KNUST to a noble status.
Among the dignitaries present at the ceremony were Nana Awulae Annor Adjaye III, Paramount Chief of Western Nzima Traditional Area; Honourable Okyere-Darko Mensah, a Member of Parliament, Takoradi; Honourable Ing. Yaw Osafo Marfo, former Minister of Finance and Economic Planning; Prof. M.L.K. Mensah, former Dean of Students and Prof. Seth O. Asiama, the immediate past Provost of the College of Architecture and Planning.
