The Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) Professor Christian Agyare, has welcomed a delegation from Peace and Love Hospital and Breast Care International (BCI), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, to discuss ongoing and future collaborations aimed at advancing cancer diagnosis, research, innovation and capacity building.
Dr. Addai said the courtesy visit was to congratulate the Vice-Chancellor on his appointment and to update him on the deployment of a groundbreaking pathology imaging system at Peace and Love Hospital. The system, the first of its kind globally, has undergone successive upgrades and now incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
She disclosed the hospital's intention to work closely with KNUST's Departments of Pathology and Biomedical Engineering to build local expertise in operating, maintaining and eventually training other countries to use the technology.
"We want to ensure that the knowledge to service and improve this technology remains here. Our vision is to build local capacity so that Ghana can become a training hub for other countries that will adopt the technology," she said.
The Vice-Chancellor welcomed the initiative, describing it as a practical example of the type of industry-academia collaboration his administration intends to promote.
He thanked Peace and Love Hospital and its international partners for their continued confidence in KNUST and pledged the University's full support for initiatives that improve healthcare delivery through research, innovation and technology.
"As a university, this is the direction we should pursue, working closely with industry to solve societal challenges," he said. "We will enhance the collaboration that we already have."
He also encouraged stronger collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Engineering through student internships, staff exchanges, equipment servicing and technical training to build sustainable local capacity.
Highlighting the significance of the AI-enabled diagnostic features, Professor Agyare said early diagnosis remains one of the most effective strategies for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
"If we have equipment that can be deployed in healthcare facilities to support early diagnosis, then we must take advantage of it," he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to the partnership, the Vice-Chancellor assured the delegation that his office would remain open to supporting existing and future collaborative projects.
"Whatever support you may need from the University, please do not hesitate to let us know. Collaboration is no longer optional; it is the way forward," he said.
Story: Abigail Ofori Photos: Isaac Kwaku Duah
