Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the government's commitment to research and innovation in Ghana's tertiary institutions, emphasizing that nurturing the next generation of thinkers and innovators is central to national progress.
Speaking at the final session of the 58th Special Congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Saturday, June 28, 2025, Prof.
Opoku-Agyemang addressed a gathering of scholars, dignitaries, and new graduates with a message of encouragement and purpose. "Today, I attended the final session of the 58th Special Congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. "The ceremony was attended by the Chancellor of KNUST, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as well as His Royal Highness King Mswati III of Eswatini," she stated.
Delivering goodwill on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, she congratulated the graduates on their academic milestones and challenged them to translate their knowledge into meaningful contributions to Ghana and the broader African continent. "In my address, I conveyed warm regards and best wishes from His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama and congratulated all graduating students on their remarkable achievements." The Vice President also endorsed the call made by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to empower the youth within academia, describing it as a vision that aligns perfectly with government priorities. "Otumfuo's call to nurture and empower young people in academia strongly aligns with the government's commitment to research and innovation, evidenced by the GHS 50 million allocation to operationalize the National Research Fund." She further encouraged both faculty and students to remain committed to impactful, policy-relevant research. "I encouraged faculty and students to continue producing and sharing impactful research that supports national development goals." The presence of prominent traditional leaders like Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and King Mswati III gave the occasion a significant pan-African dimension, highlighting the importance of collaboration across academia, governance, and cultural leadership in building Africa's future.
