Management of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(KNUST) has met with traditional leaders of surrounding communities within the University’s catchment area.
In his opening address, Reverend Professor Charles Ansah, Pro Vice-Chancellor, said the University has improved the socio-economic development of the communities. However, this has also brought about challenges especially in the area of security.
Professor Ansah indicated that with the current population of 50,000, concerted efforts of all stakeholders are required to strengthen the security of the University and the surrounding communities and called on the traditional leaders to assist in protecting life and property.
Representing the Chancellor, Oheneba Akwasi Abayie, Otumfuo Akonfrehene, said the Asante Kingdom recognises the importance of education as the greatest investment and a tool for national development. It is in this light, he added, that forefathers of the Kingdom gave out lands for the establishment of the University.
The Akonfrehene further said, the Chancellor, the current Asantehene and his predecessors have all come up with various initiatives to promote education and called on the other chiefs to support the University and education in their communities.
He however cautioned the traditional leaders from abusing the concessionary admission given them by the University. He stated that the Chancellor had noted with displeasure how some chiefs and queen mothers do not give the people in their communities the chance to benefit from the facility. He warned them to desist from such actions or face the wrath of the Asantehene.
Nana Dr. Sampson Edusah, Chairman of the Committee for Cooperation and Understanding between KNUST and Surrounding Communities, lauded the efforts of the Late Professor Kwesi Andam who saw it prudent to institute the Committee in 2003. Nana Dr. Edusah continued that since the inception of the Committee, there has been a peaceful coexistent between the University and its surrounding communities.
He was happy to add that about 900 indigenes from the surrounding communities have benefitted from the concessionary admissions. He also used the occasion to thank management for its continuous support to the communities.
Mrs. Benedicata Kwakye, Assistant Registrar, in her presentation on protocol admissions, stated that the University over the years has given concessionary (protocol) admissions to indigenes of surrounding communities. She said initially it was three per community but the current Vice-Chancellor increased it to four and noted that the Vice-Chancellor gives the final approval for protocol admissions.
Mrs. Kwakye took Nananom through the selection process into the University and encouraged the traditional rulers to make use of the opportunity to educate their indigenes.
There was also a presentation by the Centre for Cultural and African Studies on a proposed certificate course for Nananom.
