By Elizabeth PUNSU

The KNUST Business School (KSB) aims to close the employment gap and improve competence-oriented training. It also plans to bolster hands-on education in areas such as entrepreneurship, information technology, and soft skills. This commitment was highlighted by the school’s dean, Professor Ahmed Agyapong.

Professor Agyapong highlighted the significance of skill-focused education, collaborations with industries, and technology improvements to keep the School at the forefront globally.

He encouraged all parties involved—government bodies, industries, alumni groups, and philanthropists—to back the school’s projects. This includes setting up premier training facilities as well as broadening student prospects via programs such as the Endowment Fund.

Moreover, Professor Ahmed highlighted that, aside from the difficulties faced by faculty members, high rates of unemployment and underemployment amongst graduates continue to be significant national concerns.

Although KSB alumni excel academically and possess global competitiveness, data collected through tracer studies as per Professor Ahmed’s insights indicate shortcomings in key employment abilities—specifically concerning technical expertise, IT proficiency, and interpersonal competencies. These skill gaps are widespread among higher education establishments throughout Ghana, hindering students’ capacity to obtain and succeed in suitable career positions.

“This necessitates specialized facilities—including ICT laboratories, skill-development hubs, and AI labs—and also calls for faculty enhancement initiatives focused on cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and relevant industrial software. Additionally, promoting faculty exchange programs with business collaborators and international educational organizations will enhance the sharing of knowledge and provide more hands-on experience,” he noted.

Professor Ahmed Agyapong shared these insights during the formal launch of the 20

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The anniversary celebration of the KNUST School of Business was recently held in Kumasi, marking 20 years of excellence, resilience, and steadfast commitment to top-tier business education.

Under the theme, “20 Years of Excellence in Business Education: Cultivating Competence and Toughness for Enduring Growth,” the institution marked its accomplishments and mapped out a future direction at an elaborate inaugural event hosted at the school premises in Kumasi.

The scheduled events for the anniversary celebration encompass health screenings, a symposium, an inter-departmental debate, and several social impact projects like donating resources to local organizations and healthcare facilities, conducting tree-planting activities, and organizing cleanup efforts. Furthermore, a seven-day exhibit will take place, highlighting contributions made by businesses, divisions, and pupils.

Key highlights encompass global webinars focused on business growth, a skill enhancement workshop, a career expo coupled with an evaluation center, a recognition gala and award ceremony evening, along with an alumnus reunion marked by a storytelling session culminating in a significant gratitude event.

Launched in 2005, the KSB was created with the aim of delivering premier business education and promoting socioeconomic growth via cutting-edge instruction, research, and partnerships with industries.

Twenty years later, the School became one of Africa’s premier institutions for business education, turning out alumni who are significantly contributing to the nation’s economic shift and extending their impact further.

At the inauguration of the anniversary festivities aimed at showcasing the accomplishments and endeavors of the institution, Dean Professor Ahmed Agyapong reminisced about the school’s notable progression during his address.

“Starting small with merely eight lecturers, where only two possessed doctoral degrees, we’ve expanded our team to include 54 members—now comprising five full professors, 11 associate professors, 12 senior lecturers, and 23 lecturers, all of whom hold advanced doctorate qualifications,” he emphasized.

The number of students at the school has grown exponentially as well, with its graduate programs yielding approximately 1,000 alumni each year over the last ten years. Consequently, KSB now accounts for the majority of postgraduate achievements within KNUST.

Moreover, the school has been instrumental in the achievements of the Institute of Distance Learning (IDL), notably in graduate and bachelor’s programs, while also substantially increasing internally generated funds (IGF) for the university.

In the meantime, Professor Charles Ofosu Marfo, the Provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, addressed the gathering on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, during the inauguration event. He commended KSB for maintaining an unwavering dedication to scholarly distinction and highlighted its contribution towards nurturing alumni who are impacting their communities as well as influencing global arenas.

Starting from modest origins, KSB has evolved into a premier institution of higher learning, and its achievements stand as proof of its resilience, forward-thinking guidance, and unwavering dedication to providing exceptional educational opportunities.

The anniversary event saw significant participation from faculty members, students, graduates, industry experts, and government officials, who all conveyed their satisfaction with KSB’s accomplishments and committed themselves to supporting its upcoming projects.

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