Absa Bank Ghana has paid a courtesy call on the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), to strengthen its long-standing partnership with the university and explore new areas of collaboration.

Ashanti Regional Manager of Absa Bank Ghana, Martha D. Larbi, expressed appreciation for the warm reception, noting that the visit was in line with the bank’s tradition of engaging key stakeholders at the beginning of the year.

“It’s a new year and as tradition demands, it is important for us to come and pay a courtesy call,” she said.

She explained that the visit was also aimed at identifying areas where the bank could contribute to the growth of both the university and its students.

“We want to hear from you what support you need and know where we come in to help the university grow,” she said.

Mrs. Larbi reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to youth development, highlighting initiatives tailored to students and young professionals. According to her, Absa has created a dedicated youth segment that offers mentorship, training and career development opportunities.

She added that the bank is ready to expand its relationship with KNUST beyond traditional engagements by working closely with faculties and other units.

“We need to look elsewhere so that we can do business with the university and relate with you more,” she said.

KNUST Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, acknowledged the enduring partnership between the university and Absa, describing the bank as one of the institution’s reliable collaborators.

“Absa and KNUST come a long way. We have been partners and any time we have had to knock on your doors, you are always willing to assist,” she said.

Professor Dickson, however, urged the bank to sustain and deepen the relationship by responding to emerging needs within the university. She highlighted the Support One Needy Student with One Laptop (SONSOL) Project, which aims to provide laptops to needy but brilliant students to enhance their academic work in an increasingly digital learning environment, and appealed for support.

“Over the years, we have gone through all sorts of means in terms of supporting the students and we need your help so that we can continue supporting these students,” she said.

She emphasised the importance of mentorship and industry engagement, adding that early collaboration would better prepare students for the workforce.

“You need to build that mentorship relationship with them. Get involved because they will end up with you. So, it’s better when you are with us from day one as we train them,” she said.

She also called on the bank to support internship placements and national service opportunities, and urged collaboration between the KNUST Career Services Centre and Absa to provide soft-skills training for students.