Professor Christian Agyare calls for homegrown engineering solutions

The Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Christian Agyare, has called for the adoption of homegrown engineering solutions to address Ghana’s developmental challenges. Speaking at the launch of the 75th-anniversary celebrations for the College of Engineering, Professor Agyare emphasized that local expertise is essential for sustainable progress. He urged a shift toward internal innovation rather than over-reliance on external engineering models that may not align with the country's specific environmental and economic needs.

To achieve this goal, the Vice-Chancellor advocated for a stronger partnership between the engineering industry and academic institutions. He encouraged industrial players to invest in university research and provide more comprehensive opportunities for practical training for students. Beyond technical proficiency, Professor Agyare highlighted the critical role of integrity in engineering practice, noting that ethical conduct is just as vital as technical competence in building national infrastructure and maintaining public trust.

The event also featured contributions from industry leaders, including Ing. Kwabena Bempong, the CEO of Associated Consultants. Ing. Bempong stressed the importance of mentorship, urging the industry to empower young engineers with significant responsibilities to prepare them for future leadership roles. He further called on stakeholders and alumni to support the College of Engineering’s Endowment Fund, which is designed to enhance educational resources and infrastructure to maintain high standards of learning.

The 75th-anniversary launch serves as a platform to reflect on the college's history while looking toward future innovations. Both Professor Agyare and Ing. Bempong underscored the necessity of sustaining KNUST’s legacy as a premier institution for engineering education in West Africa. By fostering collaboration between the classroom and the field, the university aims to ensure its graduates remain at the forefront of driving Ghana's industrial and technological advancement.