The Department of Communication Design (DeCoDE) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), has reinforced its commitment to internationalisation through a five-day academic visit by a delegation from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), South Africa.
The visit formed part of a growing partnership between the two institutions to advance academic exchange, collaborative research, staff and student mobility, and innovation in design education.
The visiting delegation, comprising Ms Amanda Morris and Mr Zwelibanzi Damba, participated in a series of academic, institutional and cultural engagements designed to strengthen cooperation while fostering knowledge sharing between the two universities.
A highlight of the visit was the delegates' engagement with students of the Department of Communication Design through workshops, classroom discussions and interactive sessions. Drawing on their academic and professional experience, the visitors shared practical insights into contemporary design education, creative practice and career development, encouraging students to embrace critical thinking, global perspectives and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The delegates also participated in activities marking KNUST's 75th Anniversary celebrations and attended an inaugural lecture, giving them first-hand experience of the University's vibrant academic environment and longstanding tradition of excellence in teaching and research.
As part of the cultural immersion programme, the delegation visited the Manhyia Palace Museum, Bonwire and the KNUST Museum to gain a deeper appreciation of Ghana's rich cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge systems. The visits highlighted the role of traditional craftsmanship and cultural identity in shaping contemporary design practice and innovation.
The programme also introduced the delegation to KNUST's entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, where discussions focused on business incubation, entrepreneurship education and strategies for transforming creative ideas into sustainable enterprises.
A key institutional engagement during the visit was a meeting with the KNUST International Programmes Office (IPO). Discussions centred on expanding collaboration through joint research, academic exchanges, staff and student mobility, and the development of future international programmes. Both institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to building sustainable partnerships that promote academic excellence and global engagement.
The delegation was hosted by the Department of Communication Design under the leadership of Dr Ralitsa Diana Debrah, with support from Mr Antony Kofi Badu, Prof. Edward Appiah and Mr Michael Nii Martey Kodie, whose coordination ensured a successful programme combining academic interaction, institutional dialogue and cultural exchange.
The Department expressed appreciation to Dr Ginn Assibey Bonsu, Prof. Eric Francis Eshun, Dr Ismaila Moro, Mr Benjamin Prempeh and Prof. Ebenezer Kofi Howard, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Art and Design, for their leadership and support in facilitating meaningful academic engagements throughout the visit.
Gratitude was also extended to the KNUST International Programmes Office and the College of Art and Built Environment Corporate Affairs Office for their continued support in promoting international collaboration and ensuring the successful hosting of the delegation.
The Department further acknowledged the contributions of faculty, staff, students and partner offices whose collective efforts made the visit a success.
The academic exchange marks another milestone in the growing relationship between KNUST and CPUT, reinforcing the shared vision of both institutions to prepare globally competitive graduates, promote collaborative research and address societal challenges through innovation, creativity and international partnerships.
Story: Ama Pokuaa Mensah
