Otumfuo cautions KNUST staff to shun division, discrimination

Kumasi, July 18, GNA - Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has cautioned staff of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to refrain from acts that tend to bring division and discrimination among them.

"I expect an attitudinal change among staff of KNUST since we cannot sacrifice the development of this all important university for own selfish interests", he stated.

The Asantehene, who is the Chancellor of the University, was interacting with staff at a forum organized by the University Council in Kumasi on Tuesday.

The forum, the first of its kind, is the brainchild of the Chancellor and was to afford staff the opportunity to voice out their problems so as to improve upon the University's operations.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu, who was seemingly worried about the sharp difference among senior members of staff and the juniors, observed that it was high time "You unite and also adhere to the rules and regulations of KNUST for increased productivity".

He promised to lead the campaign in soliciting funds to undertake development projects that would eventually turn the University into a 'Centre of Excellence' whilst also advancing scientific and technological breakthroughs in the country. The Asantehene said the University Council had stepped up efforts to improve the conditions of service of staff and as a result called on the staff to be hard working and shun laziness and poor attitude towards work.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu pointed out that he was working out modalities for the award of scholarships to brilliant but needy students who gained admission to the University.

Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, Vice-Chancellor, stated that the University Council was currently liaising with the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) to expand the road network at the university campus to ensure free flow of traffic to vehicles that commute nearby communities. He was of the conviction that the project when completed would help to calm down the tension that exist between the university and its peripheral communities following moves by authorities to restrict vehicular movements on campus, especially in the night.