The KNUST Alumni Association on Friday, 30 January 2026, hosted a powerful evening of recognition, reflection, and renewed commitment at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, as alumni and partners gathered for the Kaptains of Industry Soirée and Awards Night.
Beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m., the event drew an impressive cross-section of Ghana’s leadership landscape, spanning public service, academia, industry, finance, and entrepreneurship, united by a shared connection to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and a common interest in its future.
Beyond celebrating individual and corporate excellence, the evening served as a strategic moment for alumni engagement, positioning KNUST’s global alumni network as a central driver of innovation, development, and institutional growth.
Speaking during the programme, the Council Chairman of KNUST, Akyamfour Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu, called on alumni and partners to think boldly about the University’s next chapter. He noted that while KNUST has consistently produced leaders and professionals across Africa and beyond, the changing global environment requires the University to pursue greater relevance, influence, and innovation.
He outlined the University’s long-term direction under its 2035 Strategic Framework, which seeks to transform KNUST into a globally competitive innovation ecosystem, one where research, enterprise, and real-world problem-solving intersect. Central to this ambition are initiatives such as the proposed Moonshot Fund, expanded industry collaboration, and increased alumni participation in applied research and mentorship.
The Chairman also underscored the importance of diversifying funding sources and deepening partnerships, stressing that sustainable progress would depend on collaboration rather than reliance on public funding alone.
Adding to the conversation, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson highlighted the practical value alumni bring to the University through internships, mentorship, professional exposure, and resource mobilization. She encouraged continued alumni involvement to ensure students are equipped not only academically but also professionally.
A major milestone of the night was the launch of the KNUST Alumni Endowment Fund, alongside the inauguration of its inaugural Board of Trustees. The Fund was introduced as a long-term vehicle to support priority university initiatives, student development, and institutional resilience. According to Global Alumni President Dr. Herman Yobo Addae, the endowment represents a shift toward structured, sustainable alumni giving with measurable impact.
The evening also featured reflections from Hon. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Ghana’s Minister for the Interior and a proud KNUST alumnus, who shared how his time at the University shaped his leadership journey. He urged fellow alumni to invest their time, resources, and expertise in strengthening the institution that helped shape them.
Recognition formed a key part of the celebration, with awards presented to outstanding alumni and corporate partners whose work continues to influence sectors critical to national development. Honourees included Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Dr. Laud Kemetse, Ing. Kwabena Agyepong, Mr. Eric Kofi Buckmann, and Mr. Joseph Eshun, alongside corporate awardees such as Antarctic Construction Limited, CAL Bank PLC, Stanbic Ghana, MTN Ghana, AndySarp Enterprise, and Multinec Enterprise.
The ceremony was attended by senior University leadership, including the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Finance Officer, provosts of colleges, directors of academic and administrative units, and deans, reflecting strong institutional support for alumni-driven initiatives.
As the evening concluded, one message resonated clearly: the strength of KNUST lies not only in its classrooms and laboratories, but also in the collective influence of its alumni. The Kaptains of Industry Awards Night reaffirmed that when alumni leadership, institutional vision, and strategic partnership align, the University’s impact extends far beyond campus.
