Kumasi, Sept 2, GNA - An 11-feet statue of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's First President, was on Thursday unveiled at the entrance of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.

The monument was designed by the Department of Sculpture and Painting of the University and funded by Alhaji Dr Asuma Banda, a renowned Industrialist and Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).

It is aimed at immortalizing the exemplary leadership, dedicated service and invaluable contribution of Dr Nkrumah to the establishment of KNUST and the nation's development.

The monument is also to boost the aesthetic beauty of the University.

Messrs Consar Construction Company Limited executed the project, which was estimated at several thousands of Ghana Cedis.

Mr John Dramani Mahama, Vice President, in a speech read on his behalf, described the monument as a befitting memorial as it would serve both educational and tourism purposes in the interest of the nation.

He lauded Dr Nkrumah for his vision and selfless leadership "whose stewardship marked a significant turning point in the development of Ghana and Africa in general."

The Vice President noted that the KNUST since its establishment in the late 1950s had lived up to expectation by meeting its mandate of spearheading the advancement of the nation's socio-economic aspirations through science and technology.

He said Government would partner the University authorities by providing the necessary infrastructure and resources for the nation to achieve a breakthrough in science and technology.

Mr Mahama indicated that the University has a major role to play as Ghana prepares towards the production of oil in commercial quantities, saying the KNUST should work hard in coming out with innovative programmes to produce the right caliber of personnel to man the sector.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu 11, Asantehene and Chancellor of KNUST, in a speech read on his behalf, paid glowing tribute to Ghana's First President for laying a good foundation for the smooth take off of Ghana's education.

This, he said, had helped to put the nation's development agenda on the right path and urged the Directorate of Works of KNUST to ensure the regular maintenance of the project.

Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, Vice Chancellor of KNUST, commended Alhaji Dr Banda for his benevolence and called on other philanthropists to endeavour to partner the University authorities in embarking on viable projects for sustainable development.