The 2004 year group of the School of Medical Sciences (SMS) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has handed over a newly refurbished microbiology laboratory to the school, as part of efforts to give back to their alma mater.
The project, which cost Five Hundred Twenty-Seven Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH₵527,000), was fully financed by contributions from members of the class.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. John Amuasi, who chaired the refurbishment committee, revealed how the group financed the project.
“We started this last year, and every member was levied to raise funds for it,” he said
Prof. Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah, a member of the Class of 2004 and now Head of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), said she was proud that her class chose to refurbish the microbiology lab.
“I was very happy when the class chose to refurbish the microbiology lab
“Dr. Amuasi did well in chairing the committee and making sure everyone contributed,” she said.
She noted, “Sometimes, it just takes one person to draw attention to what is needed.”
Prof. Yaw Asante Awuku, Dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), shared fond memories of his time as a student at SMS and encouraged other alumni to emulate this gesture.
“I’m urging other colleagues to give back to the school because it has shaped us,” he said.
Dr. Frank Frimpong, an OB/GYN specialist and Director of the Gary Marvin Memorial Hospital in Kumasi, also acknowledged the school’s impact on his professional journey.
Dr. Alex Owusu-Ofori, Head of the Department of Microbiology at SMS, expressed appreciation for the gesture.
“This kind of support encourages us to teach better and give more of our time,” he noted.
Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, Prof. Akwasi Antwi-Kusi, reminded the class of the school’s 50th anniversary, which will be celebrated on October 3–4, 2025.
“We have a legacy project coming up, and we’re inviting all alumni to be part of it
“Other year groups should sponsor projects at the Medical Village in Boadi. We still need a central lab and a library, especially with the increasing number of students,” he said.
Prof. Christian Agyare, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, said he was pleased that this was happening during his tenure.
“It’s encouraging to see former students give back. We hope current students will learn from this and also do more when their time comes.”
