The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has welcomed a delegation from Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College at Baton Rouge, USA, led by Dr. Donald R. Andrews, Dean of the College of Business.

According to Professor Ahmed Agyapong, Dean of the KNUST School of Business (KSB), the relationship with Southern University and A&M College began in 2005 with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance academic partnership.

He added that the collaboration, spanning 30 years, has seen remarkable growth in student and faculty exchange through Fulbright teaching and research programs, the development of community outreach projects with private sector collaboration through USAID funding support, and enhanced joint research efforts.

"As a leading business school in Ghana, we believe in international standards of collaboration to achieve the vision of the University, so we engaged with Southern University in the areas of curriculum development and joint research collaboration," he stated.

Looking ahead, Professor Agyapong disclosed plans for the respective business schools to collaborate on organizing international conferences on Franchising.

These conferences aim to bring together chambers of commerce from across Africa and beyond to explore business and investment opportunities in Ghana. "We are engaging with the Ghana Chamber of Commerce, AGI, and other relevant bodies to identify areas where we can unlock mutual benefits," he mentioned.

Ms. Zazell V. Dudley, a member of Southern University Board of Supervisors, read a congratulatory letter on behalf of Southern University’s Chancellor, John K. Pierre.

The letter reaffirmed that the collaboration on co-organizing an international conference on franchising will attract a diverse audience of scholars, business leaders, public and private stakeholders, and other interested parties to convene in Kumasi in Spring 2027. "We remain committed to nurturing and expanding our multifaceted collaboration to foster its ongoing success."

Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, expressed her excitement for the long-standing partnership with Southern University. She reiterated the University’s commitment to training international professionals to solve societal problems. "As we mark this milestone, we must continue to ask the question, ‘what next?’,” she urged.

"That question will push us to innovate, to build the capacity of youth, and to serve humanity through impactful research, teaching, and outreach."