The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has called for stronger collaboration between the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to promote employment creation, research impact and sustainable development in the city.
Mr Boadi made the call when the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Christian Agyare, members of University Management and representatives of the KNUST Global Alumni Association paid a courtesy call on him at the KMA .
The visit was to congratulate the Mayor and express the University’s appreciation for his attendance at Professor Agyare’s investiture ceremony and the support extended to the University before and during the event.
Mr Boadi said the relationship between KMA and KNUST should move beyond routine engagements and focus on practical interventions that would contribute to the transformation of Kumasi.
“For us as a city, and for me personally, I think that the kind of collaboration that must happen between KMA and KNUST is not what we see. It's supposed to enhance our output as a metropolitan assembly in our quest to bring about transformation and development,” he said.
He said KNUST, as a leading technical university, had a critical role to play in supporting the Assembly’s development agenda through research, innovation and technical expertise.
According to him, the University should catalyse employment creation and development, while government institutions should strengthen partnerships with academia to ensure that research translates into practical solutions.
“Every time you hear about research, you don't see the impact of the research on the work that we do,” Mr Boadi said, calling for stronger mechanisms to connect university research with the operational needs of public institutions.
He said KMA would welcome KNUST’s support in its efforts to modernise Kumasi, improve residents’ quality of life and position the city to attract investment.
Mr Boadi also referred to the development vision of the Chancellor of KNUST, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, particularly his interest in creating employment opportunities and improving livelihoods.
He said those working to advance the Chancellor’s vision had a responsibility to support initiatives that would create opportunities and contribute to the city’s development.
The Mayor congratulated Professor Agyare on his appointment as Vice-Chancellor and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the University.
“We're all looking forward to a lot of transformation under your stewardship at KNUST,” he said.
Mr Boadi also acknowledged the legacy of Professor Agyare’s predecessors and urged him to build on the achievements of previous administrations.
“When you step into a very big shoe, you must prepare your legs very well,” Mr Boadi said, stressing the responsibility that came with succeeding leaders who had left significant legacies at the University.
Professor Agyare expressed the University’s commitment to strengthening its existing relationship with KMA and exploring new areas of collaboration that would benefit both institutions and the wider community.
The President of the KNUST Global Alumni Association, Dr Herman Yobo Addae, also invited the Mayor to the Association’s Homecoming Congress, scheduled for October 22-25, 2026, as part of activities marking KNUST’s 75th anniversary.
Dr Addae said the programme would bring together alumni and provide an opportunity to celebrate the University’s legacy and achievements. He also announced plans to officially induct the Mayor as a member of the KNUST Global Alumni Association.
The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by the Registrar, Mr Benjamin Owusu; Nana Ansah Sasraku III, Mamfehene and Chair of the KNUST Endowment Fund Board of Trustees; Dr Herman Yobo Addae, Global President of the KNUST Alumni Association; Prof. Mrs Sophia Pardie Ocran, Global General Assistant Secretary; Prof. Emmanuel Bamfo-Agyei, Global Vice-President; Samuel Danjuma Mubarak Atimodu, Global Treasurer; and Dr Eric Manu, Vice-President of the Campus Chapter.
Story and Photos: Emmanuel Offei
