The health of a community is dependent not only on the genetics of its residents but also relies greatly on the environment. As such, residents of a community should have access to quality education, safe and healthy homes, quality health care, among others.
To this end, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Owirenkyi Traditional Council to research into capacity building, community development, upscaling of research results in communities, and participate in mutually beneficial activities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ahunabobrim Nana Prah Agyensaim VI, the Omanhene of the Owirenkyi Traditional Council indicated that the MoU is to officially commence the project dubbed ‘Smart Healthy City Development Project’ in Assin Kushea. He recounted that the program unofficially began about 20 years ago but yielded no great results. He was rather hopeful that, after the official agreement, the partnership would be fruitful.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson assured that the dream of Kushea being a smart city will be actualised. According to her, gaining practical experience is beneficial to the students, such embraced the collaboration.
The collaboration was facilitated by Professor Daniel Yaw Addai Duah and Dr. Ing. Alexander Boakye Marful from the Department of Architecture, in line with the Vice-Chancello’s vision of “Impactful Research and Collaboration” with communities in Ghana and the sub-region. This collaboration is expected to enable KNUST to use Assin Kushea as a community for practical application of the innovative ideas and inventions from all the Colleges within the University.
Present at the signing of the MoU were Nana Mintah Abu V, Krontihene of Owirenkyi Traditional Area; Nana Osei Owusu Kumati II, Adontenhene of Owirenkyi Traditional Area; Professor S. Amos-Abanyie, Dean of Faculty of Built Environment; Professor Esmeranda Manful, Vice-Dean, IPO, KNUST and Mrs. Gladys Addai, Senior Assistant Registrar, IPO, KNUST.
