KNUST Obuasi Campus @ 4; The Impact So Far

The people of Obuasi needed to wait much longer to witness the birth of the first tertiary institution.

The idea of establishing a University campus in Obuasi started when AngloGold Ashanti decided to relinquish its properties in the North Mine to Government after it declared a reduction in its operational footprints in 2014.

AngloGold Ashanti Ghana, Obuasi Mine however partnered the Obuasi Municipal Assembly and Knust to establish the University in 2019 with AGAG and the OMA committing initial sum of Gh250,000 and gh150,000 to upgrade the existing  facilities at the AGA North mine.

The first batch of 343 students were admitted in 2019 and the official matriculation took place same year with 11 courses.

Four (4) years on, the student population stands at 2,268 with 4 new introduced courses ( Bsc. Electricals Engineering, Bsc. Nursing, Bsc. Midwifery, Bsc. Medical Laboratory Technology). The KNUST Obuasi Campus currently runs 15 courses.

Reporters from SMS Media delved into the impact of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Obuasi campus on the economy of Obuasi.

Hostel business booming

It is of no surprise that a lot of people will see fortune in venturing into hostel business which is synonymous with towns where universities are established.

Currently there are  12 registered Hostels hosting students of the University.  Popular among them include Toy town, Margyeus, Lemez, SAL hostel, etc with many people converting their houses into hostels.

Many individuals and institutions including the Obuasi East District Assembly are making arrangements to put up a hostel facility to augment existing one scattered in areas such as Kwameduakrom, Toy town, Nyameso( Dompeace), Gauso Extension, New Biakoyeden.

It is safe to say…HOSTEL BUSINESS IN OBUASI IS BOOMING!!!

New shops, eateries, bookshops and printing shops springing up

The establishment of Knust Obuasi campus located around ETS has brought life back to the area which was abandoned from 2014 when AngloGold Ashanti went on care and maintenance.

Daniel Annan, A- Life supermarket

In our interaction with Daniel Annan Account Officer A-Life Supermarket, he said the students living in the hostels within the campus have been patronising their products. He added that, the establishment of the University has improved their sales.

He said they have reduced their prices in order to meet the needs of the students of the University.

Mildred Annan, owner of a Catering services

The Chief Executive Office of M. A Catering, Madam Mildred Annan said the University has brought a lot of improvement  to her business. ” Even though the student attitudes are very irritating but I have to entertain them and improve my customer relations in other to get more customers “.

Cynthia Tiaah, Fruits seller

Cynthia Tiaah a fruits seller at ETS opposite Central Prison explained that before the establishment of the University campus, she was making loses but for the past two years she has gotten a lot of profits from it and hoping to reach her target this year.

She added that the students are very humble and respectful.

Madam Beauty Anagbo (Lebenee Chop Bar Owner) opined that the impact of KNUST- Obuasi on her business has been positive. She however pleaded with the government to build more university in Obuasi for her to employ more workers.

Akwasi Poku, owner of bookshop

Mr. Akwasi Poku owner of ACOB ENTERPRISE dealers in books, pens pencils, phone’s Accessories etc, was full of praise for leaders whose ideas led to the establishment of the school.His shop which is situated the campus.

Mr. Poku however had some concerns. According to him the patronage has been relatively low because the sudents think his prices are high but he said his prices are relatively cheaper as compared to prices of similar items sold in the market.

Adam Hamid Abass, Pragya rider

Adam Hamid Abass (Pragya rider) said the birth of the Knust- Obuasi campus has led to improvement in their tricycle. He said contrary to lower transport fares charged by pragya riders, students from the school normally board on ‘ dropping ‘ basis which comes at relatively higher cost.

  Now our business is really booming” , he disclosed.

It is however obvious that the establishment of the Knust Obuasi campus has revived the surroundings of the school. It is however safe to conclude that the school has strengthened the resolve of AngloGold Ashanti and the Obuasi Municipal Assembly to diversify the economy of Obuasi.