KSB Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Insightful Industry Engagement Symposium
March 27, 2025 – Kumasi, Ghana
As part of activities marking its 20th Anniversary, the KNUST School of Business (KSB) hosted a high-profile Industry Engagement Symposium, bringing together academia, industry experts, alumni, and students to explore the intersection of business, science, and technology in driving national development.
Held at the KSB Block E auditorium, the event drew participation from key university officials, including the Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. David Asamoah; the Provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (COHSS), Prof. Charles Ofosu Marfo; former KSB Provost, Prof. Nathaniel Boso; Dean of KSB, Professor Ahmed Agyapong; and keynote speaker Mr. Peter Gyamfi. Also in attendance were department heads, registrars, industry leaders, alumni, and students.
In his welcome address, Prof. Agyapong highlighted KSB’s growing collaborations with the Colleges of Food Sciences, Engineering, and Science. He announced the launch of a new Health Entrepreneurship initiative in partnership with the College of Science, emphasizing the strategic role of business in enhancing the scientific and technological ecosystem at KNUST.
Delivering the opening remarks, Prof. David Asamoah underscored the importance of interdisciplinary education.
“This symposium presents an exceptional platform for reflection and dialogue on how business education can effectively integrate with science and technology to drive national development,” he said. “Our world demands dynamic, interdisciplinary approaches, and I am confident today’s discussions will inspire practical solutions and strategic partnerships.”
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Peter Gyamfi, CEO of Alpha Duo Pharma Ltd. Drawing from his experience as a pharmacist and entrepreneur, he advocated for a multidisciplinary academic culture. Mr. Gyamfi encouraged students to explore business opportunities alongside their core fields and emphasized the vital role business plays in scaling scientific and technological innovations to address global challenges.
A panel discussion followed, moderated by Nhyira FM’s Nana Gyantuah, featuring Prof. Philip Antwi-Agyei, Dr. Marian Benewaa Babah-Alargi, Mr. Duke Agyeman Freduah, Prof. Nathaniel Boso, and Dr. Samuel Yaw Akomea.
The panelists emphasized the critical synergy between business and STEM disciplines. Prof. Antwi-Agyei noted that science alone cannot solve today’s complex challenges and called for a stronger integration of business principles into scientific pursuits. Dr. Marian Benewaa highlighted the importance of practical, cross-disciplinary skills in preparing students for the demands of modern business environments and encouraged independent learning and research.
Mr. Duke Freduah challenged KSB to envision itself as a globally recognized institution, on par with world-class business schools. He urged deeper collaboration with industry to expose students to real-world problems, enhancing both learning and impact.
“When government and industry present their challenges to universities, students gain invaluable experience solving real-life issues. It benefits society and prepares students for the world of work.”
Dr. Akomea reiterated the value of industry engagement in business education and advocated for the adoption of international standards to raise the profile of local business practices. He also appealed to parents to support their wards in pursuing diverse and integrated career paths.
Prof. Nathaniel Boso, joining via Zoom, stressed the need for business schools to bridge the gap between innovation and market delivery.
“Business schools should serve as the conduit through which scientific and technological innovations reach the market. We need to rethink the structure of our universities to better impact society—especially Ghana’s largely informal economy.”
To wrap up the discussions, Dr. John Serbe Marfo, Lead Innovator at the CARISCA Innovation Hub, showcased practical outcomes of business-technology integration. He highlighted successful student projects, including a digital attendance tracking system developed in collaboration with senior high schools such as Serwaa Nyarko SHS and Prempeh College. These innovations demonstrate how business and technology can come together to improve educational systems.
The event concluded on an inspiring note, highlighting the pivotal role of business education in advancing science and technology to shape the future. 
As KSB celebrates 20 years of excellence, it continues to position itself as a hub for innovation and enterprise, fostering impactful partnerships at the intersection of business, science, and technology.

Source: Nana Kwaku Anyimadu Ofori