The Director of the Gender, Inclusion and Vulnerability Office at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), Prof. Mrs. Mercy Badu, has called on mining companies and engineering firms to expand internship opportunities for female students to help bridge the gap between academic training and industry practice.
She made the appeal while speaking at AngloGold Ashanti’s 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Obuasi, held under the theme “Giving to Gain: Advancing Women through Actions.”
The event brought together students, industry professionals and academic leaders to promote gender inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Prof. Badu said industry exposure is essential for preparing women to thrive in technical careers, particularly in sectors historically dominated by men.
“Internships are crucial for women to gain hands-on experience and build their capacity to take on leadership roles in the industry,” she said. “Practical industry exposure is essential for preparing female engineering students to confidently enter and excel in technical roles traditionally dominated by men.”
She noted that universities such as the KNUST Obuasi Campus are training talented young women in engineering, environmental science and other STEM disciplines, but stronger industry partnerships are needed to translate academic training into professional opportunities.
The celebration also featured a recognition ceremony by AngloGold Ashanti for four outstanding final-year female students from the KNUST Obuasi Campus who achieved the highest cumulative weighted averages in their programmes.
The award recipients were Miss Juliet Tawia Kwarteng (BSc Midwifery), Miss Dorcas Arhin (BSc Environmental Science), Miss Gifty Akos Awumey (BSc Business Administration, Human Resource Management) and Miss Daniella Agyeiwaa Donkor (BSc Geomatic Engineering).
AngloGold Ashanti said the awards form part of its efforts to encourage academic excellence and inspire more young women to pursue careers in technical and professional fields.
By: David Twumasi-Ankrah, Snr. Asst. Registrar (KNUST Obuasi Campus)
