As part of the Vice-Chancellor’s initiative to create opportunities for internships and entrepreneurship, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson has inaugurated the KNUST-Enfoni Joint Venture Souvenir Shop Board. The inauguration took place at the Council Chamber on 23rd August 2022.
The 5-member Board chaired by the Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo has Dr. Dickson Osei-Asibey, Mr. Alex Oppong-Baffoe, Mr. Ghapson Kwadwo Boakye, and Mr. Isaac Berko Esq. as members.
The Board is to establish ethical standards, values, and compliance rules for business; approve the appointments, remuneration, and other benefits of employees of the joint venture; provide advice and guidance to the business in its operations and perform any other duty that may inure to the growth of the business.
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the board to capitalise on KNUST and Ghanaian-made products created by the Faculty of Art, to promote the University. She urged them to also ensure that students run the venture to build their interest in entrepreneurship. ‘With the current unemployment situation in the country, one of the services we can provide is to arm the students with 21st Century skills to prepare them to become employers,’ she emphasised.
She further promised on behalf of Management to provide the needed support to make it successful.
In an acceptance speech, Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo thanked the Management of the University for reposing their trust in them and promised to give off their best. ‘We will pursue this great vision with you (the Vice-Chancellor), the students, and the stakeholders to ensure that KNUST becomes the epitome of entrepreneurship through the Committee. With the various professions represented on the Committee, we have what it takes to make it successful,’’ he assured.
The KNUST-Enfoni Joint Souvenir Shop, yet to be commissioned in November, would sell KNUST branded crystals, plaques, cufflinks, traditional hall branded sneakers, t-shirts, flying ties, bags, among others.