The Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, has commissioned some projects which were initiated by the 2023/2024 leadership of the Graduate Student Association of Ghana, KNUST Chapter (GRASAG- KNUST) on Monday, 16th September, 2024.
In his address, Mr. Felix Kofi Adusei, the President of GRASAG-KNUST, outlined the projects undertaken by his Administration to enhance the welfare of graduate students. These projects, he highlighted to include, the GRASAG Research Hub; GRASAG Snack Bar; GRASAG Photocopying Centre; GRASAG Bus-Shelters (Bus-Stop); GRASAG Sitting areas; and some Renovation works at the GRASAG-KNUST Secretariat. He mentioned that the projects focused on the Executive Committee's commitment to create a more supportive environment for graduate research and student life.
According to him, the GRASAG Research Fund, which was launched some months ago, has disbursed research grants to some deserving students. However, he added that the limited availability of funds informed the Committee’s decision to explore new ways to extend assistance to the increasing number of graduate students. This decision resulted in the establishment of the GRASAG Research Hubs, which is the first of its kind in the History of KNUST where an office is dedicated to giving expert assistance to Graduate students embarking on a research journey.
Mr. Adusei stated that the creation of the GRASAG Snack Bar and Photocopying Centre would serve as a revenue generation venture for the GRASAG-KNUST Secretariat. He noted that with the expansion of the KNUST School of Graduate Studies, there is a growing need for proper facilities, hence, the new bus stops to ensure that students have adequate waiting areas. He disclosed the completion of some renovation works at the Secretariat and reiterated the commitment of his Administration to continue advocating for better conditions for graduate students at KNUST. He also expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor and all the other stakeholders for their unwavering support towards GRASAG and his Administration.
The Director of the Directorate of Students Affairs (DoSA), Professor Wilson Agyei Agyare commended the leadership of the GRASAG-KNUST for constantly engaging with University authorities in their proactive approach to decision-making. He praised the 2023/2024 leadership of GRASAG for their focus on realistic goals which seek to solve graduate student’s needs. He was hopeful that future leaders would continue to adopt a similar approach. Professor Agyare assured that his office would remain open to all students for guidance and support.
Commissioning the projects, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, the Vice-Chancellor, praised the executive’s dedication to addressing students’ needs. She noted that the 2023/2024 leadership has exemplified the essence of effective leadership, which she described as the ability to continuously seek solutions to problems. She applauded the President and his team for their attentiveness and for consistently offering solutions to student concerns. The Vice-Chancellor further recognised the vital role graduate students play in the University’s research-intensive agenda, noting that their contributions are indispensable to the institution’s growth. She expressed her deep gratitude to the GRASAG-KNUST’s leadership, adding that their legacy will leave an indelible mark in the history of the University. “When the history of this University is written, your name will be in gold. The legacy that you have left for this University will never be forgotten,” Professor Dickson said. She urged future student leaders to draw inspiration from the commitment and dedication displayed by the 2023/2024 GRASAG-KNUST Leadership.
Professor Eric Kwabena Forkuo, the Director of the School of Graduate Studies, further lauded the leadership for regularly consulting with his Office to ensure the needs of graduate students are aligned with their mandate. He also expressed his appreciation for the leadership style exhibited by the 2023/2024 Executives and thanked the University Management for their continuous support.