The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has officially welcomed its first-year international regular and exchange students for the 2024/2025 academic year at the annual Akwaaba Night celebration.
The event, organized by the International Programmes Office (IPO), brought together new international students, returning exchange students, and university management for a night of cultural exchange and camaraderie.
Professor Daniel Duah, Dean of the International Programmes Office, described Akwaaba Night as a vibrant tradition that offers the university an opportunity to extend a formal welcome to its international regular and exchange students. Returning outbound exchange students were also warmly welcomed during the event.
“It is a special occasion to embrace new beginnings, forge connections, and celebrate diversity,” he said.
This academic year, KNUST has admitted approximately 150 first-year international students alongside 16 exchange students.
Professor Duah highlighted that these figures symbolize KNUST's dedication to fostering global collaboration and academic exchange. He reaffirmed IPO's commitment to supporting international students, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to thrive both academically and socially.
Addressing the students, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Asamoah, expressed his gratitude to the university’s global partners and officially welcomed the first-year international students to KNUST. He urged students to be discerning in their relationships, emphasizing the value of positive friendships.
“As a parent-like figure, I urge you to make friends who bring positive outcomes,” he stated. “Refrain from friendships that may lead to negative actions. Before taking any step, always ask yourself: Will this action bring positive or negative consequences to myself, my God, my family, and my university? Strive to bring good news to those who care about you.”
Professor Asamoah also assured students of the university’s dedication to their well-being. He encouraged students to seek assistance from these offices whenever needed.
In addition, Professor Samuel Amos-Abanyie, Deputy Director (Housing and Welfare) at DoSA, assured students that the directorate remains open to address any challenges they might face.
He also encouraged them to engage in student-led activities, such as those organized by the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the various colleges, to help them integrate into the KNUST community and Ghanaian culture.
The event also featured messages from the President of the International Students Association and the International Students Coordinator of the Graduate Students Association, alongside testimonies from representatives of first-year undergraduate and graduate students, inbound exchange students, and outbound exchange students, who shared their experiences at KNUST and in Ghana.
The night culminated in a vibrant showcase of Ghanaian culture, offering attendees a taste of traditional Ghanaian cuisine, accompanied by music from various parts of the world, bringing the evening to a lively and memorable close.
