The Directorate of Student Affairs (DoSA) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) has intensified its annual hostel inspection exercise through expanded collaboration with state institutions and technical experts to ensure safer and more conducive accommodation for students living in private hostels around the university.

This year’s inspection teams comprised officials from the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Regional Environmental Health Service, KNUST Security Services, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Students’ Representative Council.

Director of Student Affairs at KNUST, Prof. Marian Asantewah Nkansah, said the exercise has evolved into a major institutional quality assurance and safety initiative that continues to expand in scope and impact.

According to her, the inclusion of additional technical and regulatory stakeholders has significantly enhanced the quality, credibility and effectiveness of the inspection process.

“As we grow as a university and as a directorate, we are also expanding the network,” she said.

Prof. Nkansah commended the various agencies and officers for their dedication and continued support in safeguarding student welfare.

“You are seen and appreciated for ensuring that our students, who are relatively vulnerable young people, have the best possible living spaces,” she added.

Junior Assistant Registrar and Housing Officer at DoSA, Mr. Alex Akwasi Akeale Weyeamo-Kubati, said private hostels seeking official recognition from the university must satisfy stringent standards relating to student safety, sanitation, security, structural integrity and general welfare.

“For a hostel to receive recognition from the Directorate of Student Affairs of KNUST, it must satisfy minimum standards relating to safety, sanitation, security, structural integrity and student welfare,” he explained.

He noted that the standards are intended to ensure students live in environments that are secure, hygienic, well-lit, properly ventilated and conducive to academic work.

Mr. Akeale expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly improve the quality of private hostel accommodation within the KNUST enclave.

“The initiative is expected to significantly improve the overall quality of accommodation around the KNUST campus in terms of infrastructure and the management systems put in place by private hostel operators,” he said.