By Charlcy AMO ASANTE, KNUST campus correspondent
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has taken a bold step toward shaping Ghana’s future leadership with the launch of its College of Humanities and Social Sciences (COHSS) Leadership Academy.
The initiative, unveiled at a recent ceremony, was designed to transform academically gifted students into socially conscious leaders equipped to serve the country and the broader world.
The academy’s inaugural cohort comprises 52 students drawn from 15 departments across the college. Their selection was guided by rigorous academic standards and a deliberate commitment to gender balance, underscoring the institution’s resolve to ensure inclusivity in leadership development.
As the students took their oath of induction, the atmosphere was charged with pride and anticipation, marking the beginning of what many described as a transformative journey.
The Pro Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. David Asamoah, set the tone with a reminder that leadership is not about prestige but responsibility. “Opportunity demands responsibility,” he told the inductees, urging them to channel their talents toward meaningful service rather than personal gain.
His words resonated with the academy’s principles, which seek to redefine leadership as influence rooted in service and accountability.
The Provost of COHSS, Prof. Charles Ofosu Marfo, who administered the oath, outlined the academy’s vision. Built around five core pillars: soft skills and communication, digital and analytical competencies, ethical and circular leadership, entrepreneurship and real-world exposure, as well as leadership and administration.
The programme is anchored by two mottos: “Where leaders are made” and “I am fit for purpose.” These guiding principles reflect the Academy’s mission to produce leaders who are both competent and socially responsible.
The launch drew strong endorsements from industry partners, signalling a robust bridge between academia and the corporate world.
Head of West and Central Africa at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Norman Williams reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to supporting the academy through networking opportunities, internships, and career pathways. He emphasized four qualities he believes will define tomorrow’s leaders: ethics, sustainability, digital transformation, and corporate governance. These qualities, he noted, align seamlessly with the academy’s curriculum.
Speaking virtually on behalf of the Board Chairperson of the Business & Financial Times, Dr Godwin Acquaye, the CEO highlighted a persistent gap between university output and industry demands. He challenged the students to invest in preparation and cultivate skills that will remain relevant in an AI-driven future. His remarks underscored the urgency of equipping graduates with competencies that transcend traditional academic boundaries.
Joining the conversation virtually, Kofi Owusu Bempah stressed discipline, consistent effort, and broad exposure as indispensable ingredients in the making of effective leaders. His call reinforced the academy’s emphasis on holistic development, blending academic excellence with practical experience.
Professor Kaliba Abbas, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, speaking on behalf of the College’s Dean, assured the gathering of full institutional support for the initiative. He emphasised that the selection of the first cohort was not only merit-based but also reflective of a deliberate effort to achieve gender balance, ensuring that leadership opportunities are equitably distributed.
The programme was moderated with warmth by Maame Dentu and featured a video presentation by academy members. The cohort’s president, Gabriel Asiedu, delivered an address on behalf of his peers, articulating their collective commitment to the Academy’s vision. His remarks captured the optimism of the students, who see the Academy as a platform to sharpen their skills and expand their horizons.
The launch of the Leadership Academy represents more than an institutional milestone; it is a strategic response to the evolving demands of leadership in a rapidly changing world. By embedding ethics, sustainability, and digital literacy into its curriculum, the academy seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry, preparing students to thrive in environments shaped by technological disruption and global challenges.
The academy’s coordination committee, led by Prof. Ahmed Agyapong, Dean of the KNUST School of Business, and Prof. Samuel Akomea, brings together expertise from across the college’s departments. Their collective oversight ensures that the programme remains dynamic, responsive, and aligned with both academic and industry standards.
For the 52 students inducted, the journey ahead promises rigorous training, mentorship, and exposure to real-world challenges. For the college and the institution, the academy represents a deliberate investment in the future and a commitment to producing leaders who are not only academically competent but also ethically grounded and socially conscious.
The COHSS Leadership Academy stands as a testament to KNUST’s vision of leadership as a purposeful endeavour. With the backing of industry partners such as ACCA and the Business & Financial Times, as well as the guidance of seasoned academics, the Academy is poised to become a model for leadership development in Ghana and beyond.
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