The Chairman of the Governing Council of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Akyamfour Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu, has proposed that the institution be positioned as the global centre for Asante Cultural Studies. Speaking during his engagement with the academic board of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Agyemang-Bonsu emphasized the importance of leveraging KNUST’s historical and geographical position in the Ashanti Region to advance cultural scholarship and development.
According to him, this initiative would not only help preserve Ghana’s intangible heritage but also open up revenue-generating opportunities. He cited the potential for proper documentation and academic research to resolve chieftaincy disputes stemming from undocumented traditions.
To support this vision, the Council Chair suggested developing a Social Accounting Matrix, a comprehensive economic database that could inform regional planning and policy. He also proposed interdisciplinary collaboration, such as partnering with the College of Engineering to develop a mobile application that translates oral Twi into English, which could be beneficial for Ghana’s justice system.
The Centre for Cultural and African Studies (CeCaST) was commended for its research contributions, but Agyemang-Bonsu emphasized the need for broader departmental collaboration to enhance the Centre’s impact.
This proposal aligns with the university’s strategic vision, which includes promoting cultural heritage, entrepreneurial education, and sustainability. By positioning KNUST as a global hub for Asante Cultural Studies, the institution can tap into its rich cultural heritage while contributing to national development.