NKRUMAH'S STATU UNVEILED AT KNUST (PAGE 3, SEPT 4, 2010)

A STATUE of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, has been unveiled at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi to serve as a monument for the man whose Presidency saw the birth of the university in 1961.
Alhaji Asuma Banda, Chairman of the Antrak Group of Companies, funded the project, which constituted the first phase of the ‘Osagyefo Memorial Park’ to comprise of various facilities to serve as one of the major attractions of the campus.
The statue project, located at the main entrance of the campus, was one of six projects that were inaugurated at the university last Thursday.
Other projects inaugurated included the refurbished Paa Joe Stadium, examinations complex, security staff quarters, and staff bungalows.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. K.K. Adarkwa, said over the years the real presence of Dr Nkrumah had not been felt at the KNUST campus, except for his bust at the old university museum.
He said lack of funds prevented the university administration from implementing the project until Alhaji Banda came in.
The VC eulogised the name of the first president for his vision and aspirations to empower the black man to manage his own affairs that led to the establishment of many educational institutions during his administration.
Prof. Adarkwa commended Alhaji Banda for his support for the project and said the university would always be grateful to him.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku-Manu, who represented the Vice-President, Mr John Mahama, said education in Ghana would not have reached its present stage if Dr Nkrumah had not laid a solid foundation for future development.
“Nkrumah’s exploits, which are so visible have impacted positively on the development of Ghana and indeed the entire Africa that, it is impossible to be obliterated from our records and history.
“Indeed, I consider the whole project as a befitting memorial, which does not only immortalise his leadership and dedicated service to the nation, but also to serve as a source of encouragement and motivation to all Ghanaians,” he said.
He praised the university authorities for working hard to raise the image of the university.
“Let me reiterate the government’s commitment to continue to support this university, as science and technology remain the driving force of our economy,” he said.
Mr Opoku-Manu indicated that KNUST had a huge role to play as Ghana prepared to produce oil in commercial quantities.
“I believe that the University is now poised to strategically offer expert and specialised technical support to ensure that the nation derives maximum benefits from the oil industry,” he stressed.