The Department of Planning at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi in collaboration with the Bantama Asenso-Boakye Foundation, has established the Asenso-Boakye Infrastructure Research Hub to bridge gaps between research, policy, and implementation in Ghana’s infrastructure development.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor David Asamoah highlighted that the hub will unite experts from multiple fields to generate evidence-based insights guiding strategic development across the country.
“The hub will facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration among planners, engineers, architects, researchers, policy makers and university advocates to generate evidence-based insights that inform cross-border planning, investment and management in Ghana,” he said.
He noted the hub will bring together the Department of Planning and the Faculty of Built Environment to advance knowledge and practice.
“Through this hub, the Department of Planning and the Faculty of Built Environment are creating a platform where research, policy dialogue and professional practice can converge,” he mentioned.
Professor Asamoah added that the initiative aligns with KNUST’s Strategic Plan 2035.
“Equally significant is the alignment of this initiative with KNUST’s Strategic Plan 2035. Our strategic vision emphasises research excellence, innovation, industry engagement, sustainability and measurable societal demands,” he explained.
Akyamfoc Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu, Chairman of the Governing Council, emphasized that addressing Ghana’s challenges through research under Plan 2K35 requires strong collaboration with alumni.
“Our research must solve the real world problems of the Ghanaian people. However, a vision as grand as Plan 2K35 cannot be achieved by the university leadership alone. It requires a formidable partnership with those who have passed through our gates, our alumni,” he said.
He urged alumni to strengthen innovation infrastructure to help place KNUST among the world’s top universities.
“Like Honourable Asenso-Boakye, I urge you to return to your departments and to help us build the infrastructure of innovation that will run KNUST among the top 200 universities in the world,” he said.
The Member of Parliament for Bantama, Mr. Francis Asenso-Boakye, underscored that the hub aims to become a centre of excellence, training professionals and developing solutions for Ghana’s infrastructure and key economic networks.
“The vision, Mr. Chairman, is that in the coming years, this research hub will grow into a recognized centre of excellence for infrastructure research in Ghana. It will become a facility where partnerships shape national solutions and where young professionals develop the requisite skills needed to lead Ghana’s infrastructure. It will also become a place where solutions are developed, not only for roads and housing, but for other energy systems, digital infrastructure, and other interconnected networks that define the overall economy,” he stated.
The Head of the Department of Planning, Professor Charles Peprah, emphasized that the hub was established to close gaps between research, funding, and implementation.
“While Ghana has made important investments in these sectors over the years, the gap between research knowledge, financing decisions, and implementation practice continues to limit the full impact of infrastructure development. The Asenso-Boakye Infrastructure Research Hub has therefore been established as a deliberate effort to bridge this gap,” he mentioned.
He expressed appreciation to Mr. Asenso-Boakye for strengthening the department and advancing planning education in Bantama.
“On behalf of the department, the college and the university, we express our sincere appreciation to you, Honourable Asenso-Boakye, for your commitment to strengthening the institutional capacity of this department and investing in the future of planning education in Bantama,” he said.
Representing the Regional Minister and the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Mr. Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi affirmed government support for researchers, pledging 50,000 cedis to the initiative.
“I wish to pledge a commitment of this government towards the works of researchers and research and believe that together as partners we can build a greater Ghana. Myself and the Minister for Works and Housing would pledge 50,000 cedis to the center,” he added.
He noted that most of Ghana’s development professionals hail from KNUST and called for greater efforts to transform the country.
“Most of the planners in our country came from this institution. Most of our engineers, most of the people in the built environment are from this institution. And we have done so well. What we need is to do much more so that together we can transform and upgrade our country,” he mentioned.
