University establishes company

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has established a University Construction Company to tender for major construction projects to generate income.

The company is free to bid for civil engineering projects of government, agencies and other private institutions. Professor John S. K. Ayim, Vice Chancellor, announced this at the inauguration of a six-member Board of Directors for the company in Kumasi.

He said the company would also be used as a training ground for students in building technology, architecture and civil engineering. The Board has Professor Stephen E. Owusu, Head of the Department of Housing and Planning Research as chairman. The Vice Chancellor said KNUST owns all the shares of the company, which is expected to bring reasonable returns on investment by providing efficient, high quality and reliable service at competitive prices.

He appealed to government institutions, departments, Metropolitan and District Assemblies, especially in the Ashanti Region and private organizations to engage the services of the company. Professor Ayim expressed the hope that the venture would serve as an example for other institutions to make universities relevant to society by involving both lecturers and students in community-initiated projects.

Agyewodin Adu Gyamfi Ampem II, Acherensuahene and chairman of the KNUST Council, called on the management of the company to open its doors to students from other tertiary institutions seeking avenues for practical training. He advised the Board not to interfere in the running of the company but to provide policy framework and assist in resolving problems that the management would refer to them.