The Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, has urged the College of Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) to strengthen research and industry partnerships and turn engineering knowledge into practical solutions for national development.
He made the call at the launch of the college’s 75th anniversary celebrations under the theme “Excellence to Eminence: 75 Years of Engineering Education at KNUST.”
He also called for structured support to help graduates turn innovative ideas into viable businesses.
Reflecting on his experience as a Geomatic Engineering student, the Mamponghene said the knowledge he acquired at the college continued to shape his professional life and service to his people.
He highlighted the role of geomatic engineering in national development, particularly land administration, cadastral surveying and geographic information systems, which support planning, infrastructure development and the resolution of land disputes.
“These were not merely technical subjects. They were important tools for promoting orderly development, resolving disputes, and safeguarding the interests of our communities,” he said.
The Mamponghene urged the college to prioritise research funding and strengthen international partnerships to improve its research output and global visibility.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christian Agyare, said the college remained central to the university’s strategic vision and efforts to strengthen Ghana’s technological capacity.
He urged companies to support research through funding, equipment, mentorship and training opportunities for students.
“Our industries must see the university not simply as a supplier of graduates, but a strategic partner in research, innovation, and productivity improvement,” he said.
He also challenged students to apply their knowledge to problems facing communities and industries, saying technical competence must be accompanied by integrity, creativity and a commitment to improving lives.
The Provost of the College of Engineering, Professor Kwabena Britwum Nyarko, said the anniversary offered an opportunity to celebrate the college’s achievements and set priorities for its future.
He highlighted its contribution to engineering education beyond Ghana, including support for engineering education in The Gambia and Rwanda.
Nyarko urged the college to translate research into practical innovations, viable businesses and solutions to national and global challenges.
He announced plans for a Technology Innovation Building where industry partners, researchers, academics, students and entrepreneurs could develop, test and commercialise solutions.
“We are therefore not simply inviting industry to support the College. We are inviting industry to innovate with us,” he said.
The Chairman of the KNUST University Council, Akyamfour Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu, said the college had a central role in advancing technological innovation, strengthening industry partnerships and training professionals to meet the changing needs of industry and society.
“The goal is not simply to grow in size, but to grow in readiness, impact, and international recognition,” he said.
He urged the college to strengthen its research capacity, invest in infrastructure and ensure that research produced practical solutions that improved livelihoods, strengthened businesses and supported national development.
The Chief Executive Officer of Associated Consultants Ltd., Ing. Kwabena G. Bempong, also called for closer collaboration between academia and industry to prepare engineering graduates for the profession’s evolving demands.
He urged the college to give students opportunities to work on practical projects and gain industry experience, and encouraged alumni to support internships and mentorship.
“We cannot be proud of this college only in speeches as I’m doing now. Pride must show up in practice,” he said.
The College of Engineering Endowment Fund, established in 2023, has grown to GH¢11.5 million through contributions from alumni, individuals and industry partners. The fund is expected to support the college’s development priorities, including teaching, research and innovation.
The anniversary celebrations will feature research and innovation showcases, community outreach, industry engagement, alumni activities, career development initiatives and heritage programmes highlighting the college’s contributions to national development.
Story: Eunice Asare Photos: Isaac Kwaku Duah
