The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), has commissioned the Asenso-Boakye Infrastructure Research Hub to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and bridge the gap between research and infrastructure development in Ghana.

The research hub, established through the Bantama Asenso-Boakye Foundation, is expected to serve as a platform for collaboration among researchers, policymakers, industry players and development partners to generate practical solutions for national infrastructure planning and investment.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Member of Parliament for Bantama Constituency and former Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, called for a long-term, evidence-based approach to infrastructure development and urged policymakers to move beyond short-term political cycles.

“Infrastructure development must transcend political cycles, institutional boundaries and social inclusion,” he said.

Mr. Asenso-Boakye proposed the development of a comprehensive national highway master plan to guide the systematic expansion of Ghana’s transport network. According to him, such a roadmap would enable successive governments to build on existing projects rather than abandon them during political transitions.

“A comprehensive long-term plan will enable successive governments to build on each other’s work rather than restart the national conversation every four years,” he stated.

Chairman of the University Council, Akyamfour Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu, commended Francis Asenso-Boakye for facilitating the establishment of the research hub through the Asenso-Boakye Foundation, describing the initiative as a strong example of alumni commitment to national development.

“By facilitating the establishment of this hub, he has demonstrated that the transition from excellence to eminence is a journey we take together,” he said.

He called on alumni of the university to strengthen their partnership with the institution to support the university’s strategic plan and promote research and innovation.

“A vision as grand as the Plan 2K35 cannot be achieved by the university leadership alone. It requires a formidable partnership with those who have passed through our gates, our alumni,” he noted.

He added that the university is seeking to mobilise $500 million for the KNUST Innovation Initiative Fund to support high-risk, high-reward research and innovation.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor David Asamoah, said the research hub aligns with the university’s Strategic Plan, PLAN 2K35, which prioritises research excellence, innovation and industry engagement.

According to him, the hub will provide an important platform for collaboration between academia, government, industry and development partners to generate evidence-based solutions for infrastructure development.

“The future of infrastructure development in Ghana will depend on strong partnerships between universities, government institutions, the private sector and development partners. The AB-Hub provides an important platform for such collaboration,” he stated.

He described the commissioning of the hub as a significant step in strengthening the university’s commitment to research-driven national development and noted that the facility represents a platform for translating academic knowledge into practical solutions to address Ghana’s development challenges.

“This hub symbolises KNUST’s commitment to ensuring that knowledge generated within our classrooms and laboratories contributes meaningfully to solving the pressing development challenges facing our society,” he said.

Head of the Department of Planning, Professor Charles Peprah, explained that the hub was established to address the long-standing disconnect between research, financing decisions and infrastructure implementation in Ghana.

“Infrastructure remains central to national growth. Roads, housing, water systems, sanitation, energy and transport networks shape economic productivity, urban resilience and the quality of life of our citizens,” he said.

According to Prof. Peprah, the research centre will operate as a multidisciplinary platform bringing together researchers, students, practitioners, policymakers and development partners to generate evidence-based insights for infrastructure planning.

He added that the hub will focus on four key thematic areas: housing and resilient settlements, transport and mobility infrastructure, water and sanitation systems, and disaster resilience.

The facility includes office spaces for fellows and researchers to conduct studies aimed at strengthening infrastructure planning and policy implementation in Ghana.

The Asenso-Boakye Infrastructure Research Hub was commissioned by Akyamfour Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu, alongside Professor David Asamoah, Professor Christian Koranteng, Professor Charles Peprah, ministers of state and Francis Asenso-Boakye.