Regional News of Monday, 2 December 2013

Source: GNA

Asantehene wants KNUST Medical Centre project started

Authorities of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have expressed worry about the delay by government to facilitate processes for the establishment of a Medical Centre at the University.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene and Chancellor of the University, said since 2007, the authorities had made numerous proposals to government to support the development of the Centre, but little had been done.

“I have had many occasions to appeal to government to support this Ministry of Health/University initiative for our common good, as it will serve as a teaching and tertiary level referral centre.

While the University of Ghana has had its project underway, that of KNUST is still pending before government,” the Chancellor lamented.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu was addressing the 2013 Founders’ Day Special Congregation of the University in Kumasi, at the week-end.

The event saw a total of 451 post-graduate students of the KNUST School of Graduate Studies graduating.

The Asantehene stressed the need for the nation to show serious commitment to the cause of medical and health education, to help the nation achieve her health development goals.

In addition, corporate bodies should complement the efforts of government by investing in higher education, to strengthen the human resource base of the nation.

Professor William Otoo Ellis, Vice-Chancellor of the KNUST, said the World Bank project on oil and gas to equip three departments in the College of Engineering was on course.

“The laboratories have all been completed, and the procurement of equipment is also on course”, he stated.