First phase KNUST teaching hospital to be ready this year — Asantehene
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Teaching Hospital project is expected to be ready by the end of this year, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has said.
“I have taken notice of the fact that Parliament has approved a budgetary allocation for the completion of the first phase of the project. The timely delivery of this important facility will ensure that it serves its intended purpose.
“I am waiting on President John Dramani Mahama to commission the first phase of the project by the close of this year. So, I am sure with that, I will get him to commit more funds towards the full completion of the project,” he added.
The Asantehene expressed appreciation to the government for the support, saying the project represented a significant investment in education, healthcare delivery and development in the country.
The Otumfuo was speaking at the 59th special congregation of KNUST, in Kumasi, last Saturday.
The students comprised 3,137 postgraduates, 5,241 undergraduates, and 71 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates, out of which 20 were females. In all, the graduates were 8,377.
Financial clearance
The Otumfuo further called for the granting of financial clearance to enable the university to recruit additional staff it urgently required to sustain its core mandate of teaching, research and service.
“Our student numbers continue to grow, which comes with increasing demand for qualified lecturers, researchers and administrative staff,” he said.
Strategic plan
On a recently launched 10-year strategic plan of the university christened “PlAN 2K35,” the Asantehene said the plan demonstrated that KNUST was a foremost centre of excellence in teaching and learning.
“It is my firm conviction that the plan will prioritise the strengthening of academic programmes, increase investment in research and technology, expansion of critical infrastructure and cultivation of strategic partnerships both locally and internationally,” he said.
Advice
The President, Ramapo College, New Jersey, US, Dr Cindy Jebb, who was a guest, told the graduates that they had been equipped with gifts of mind and strength of arm to apply them in service for Ghana’s development and beyond.
“Whether you are facing opportunity or adversity, your university education has uniquely equipped you to contribute to determination, innovation and integrity, he said, adding, “In this endeavour, the worthy objectives we set out to accomplish will invariably better the world for all of us.”
Gratitude
The Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, expressed gratitude to the Asantehene for his support of the growth of the university.
The Vice-Chancellor’s tenure of office ends on July 31, 2026.
“Serving in this capacity under your able leadership, constant guidance and counsel all these years in moving our great and noble university to prominence has been one of the greatest honours of my life.
“Together, we have made significant strides as we have expanded academic programmes, strengthened research capacity, improved infrastructure, deepened partnerships and rejuvenated alumni, among others,” she said.
On the university’s new act, Act 2025, Act 1157, Prof. Dickson said it would strengthen the institution’s governance and administrative processes in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.
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