Hundreds of academic staff at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi have gathered for a vibrant pre-semester reception, hosted by the KNUST chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-KNUST).

The event, held at the Senior Staff Clubhouse, aimed to help members reconnect and re-energize before the academic semester officially begins.

The event featured live band music, assorted dishes, traditional refreshments, and friendly conversations that fostered camaraderie across various departments and colleges.

This reception marked only the second such gathering since 2021, following interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other institutional challenges.

Professor Eric Kwabena Abavare, President of UTAG-KNUST, explained the motivation behind the initiative.

"What you just saw is something meant to de-stress our members from the academic and other pressures that often keep them too busy to have time for themselves,” he said.

"We want to get our members in their authentic selves. We wanted people to really express themselves, to exist in their elementary form. That way, even momentarily, they shut off stress and reconfigure.”

He emphasized that such gatherings would continue "based on the urgencies of the time," as a deliberate way to care for the mental and emotional needs of members.

Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Mathanda Ankar-Brewoo from the Department of Food Science and Technology shared her experience, highlighting the importance of the gathering in providing relief from the demands of academic life.

"There’s too much stress in the system,” she noted. “We just want to wind down, have fun, and enjoy ourselves. After all, it just happens occasionally. It’s all joy here. If it’s something that members love, and clearly, the members are happy.”

Professor Charles Ofosu Marfo, Provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, described the event as both enjoyable and deeply meaningful.

"This is enjoyable. And it's an atmosphere that calls for unity. There’s so much tension and division among us sometimes. But you come here, listen to some of our traditional songs that preach unity and togetherness, and you realize it’s something we all need.”

He added, "Brother and sister mingling with brother and sister. You never know where the next connection will come from. At the end of the day, this is how we relax. This is how we relieve some of the stress on academics.”