The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with higher education institutions following a courtesy visit by the management of Garden City University (GCU) to formally introduce the University's new leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Registrar of GCU, Mr. Kofi Amankwaah Karikari, announced the University's attainment of a Presidential Charter and expressed appreciation for KNUST's support throughout GCU's growth and development.
"We came first to formally inform the University about our charter status and to introduce our leadership. We also thought it appropriate to come and express our gratitude for the support KNUST has offered us throughout our journey," the Registrar said.
The delegation was led by the Founder of GCU, Mr. Albert Acquah, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Kwasi Ofori, accompanied by other members of the University's management.
The Founder of GCU, Mr. Albert Acquah, expressed profound appreciation to individuals and structures within KNUST for the guidance, mentorship and technical support they have provided over the years, which, he said, helped shape the development of Garden City University.
"I would say there will be no Garden City University without KNUST," Mr. Acquah said. "Garden City was built through the training and support we received from KNUST."
He said that despite the challenges encountered during the University's formative years, encouragement and intervention from key individuals at KNUST enabled the vision for the institution to succeed.
Mr. Acquah particularly acknowledged the support and counsel of KNUST's former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. J.S.K. Ayim, and other senior academic mentors, describing them as instrumental in shaping his decisions during the University's early years.
He also reflected on the enduring relationship between the two institutions, describing KNUST as a "parent institution" whose influence continues to shape GCU's academic identity and institutional growth.
"We remain grateful for all the support. We are still your children and continue to come back for guidance," he added.
GCU's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Kwasi Ofori, also thanked KNUST for the longstanding partnership and expressed hope for continued collaboration in faculty and staff exchange, as well as institutional development initiatives.
The delegation also took the opportunity to bid farewell to Prof. (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson as she nears the completion of her tenure as Vice-Chancellor, commending her leadership and contributions to higher education development in Ghana.
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, congratulated Garden City University on attaining its Presidential Charter and commended the Founder for his investment in higher education.
"We are proud that KNUST has been part of your journey. Becoming a fully chartered university is not a small achievement, and we celebrate this milestone with you," she said.
Prof. Dickson said Garden City University's progress demonstrates the value of sustained collaboration within Ghana's higher education sector and expressed confidence in the institution's ability to contribute meaningfully to national and global development through the training of transformational leaders.
She encouraged the University to build on its achievements while leveraging partnerships and teamwork to navigate the increasingly complex higher education landscape.
"Higher education is becoming more demanding every day, but no institution succeeds in isolation. With the strong team you have assembled, I have no doubt that Garden City University will continue to grow from one level of excellence to another," she said.
Prof. Dickson further assured the delegation that KNUST would continue to strengthen its relationship with Garden City University, emphasizing that the partnership extends beyond formal institutional affiliation.
"This is not farewell from us. Be assured that the relationship will continue. We will continue to support GCU to tick the boxes of success," she said.
Story: Abigail Ofori Photos: Isaac Kwaku Duah
