KNUST, Lands Ministry explore plans for satellite campus in Ellembelle to honour Nkrumah

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is exploring plans to establish a satellite campus in Ellembelle in the Western Region in honour of Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

The proposal emerged from discussions between the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christian Agyare, and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, during a visit to the university on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The proposed campus is expected to expand access to higher education in the Nzema area and strengthen KNUST's presence in the Western Region, particularly within the country's oil and gas enclave.

The initiative is also intended to recognise Dr Nkrumah's contribution to Ghana's independence, industrialisation and educational development.

The discussions formed part of a broader engagement between KNUST and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to explore collaboration in research, technology and the management of the country's natural resources.

Among the areas discussed was the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency, monitoring and decision-making in the natural resources sector.

Mining engineering was also identified as a key area for cooperation, with the two institutions exploring ways to strengthen technical expertise, research and professional training to address challenges facing Ghana's mining industry.

The proposed partnership would further examine the use of financial technology (FinTech) in monitoring and evaluating natural resource management.

The discussions also covered the monitoring of forests, water bodies and mineral extraction activities, particularly amid efforts to tackle illegal mining, deforestation and the degradation of water bodies.

Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said scientific research and technological innovation could strengthen the Ministry's efforts to protect the country's natural resources.

"This is particularly important at a time when the country continues to intensify efforts to protect its environment against illegal mining, deforestation and the destruction of critical water resources," he said.

The collaboration is expected to draw on KNUST's research and technical expertise to support the development and implementation of policies in the natural resources sector.

Professor Agyare said the proposed Ellembelle campus could serve as a centre for academic development, skills acquisition and research for the Nzema area and neighbouring communities.

He also pointed to opportunities for young people in the Western Region to access university education closer to home.

The engagement also involved Mr Armah-Kofi Buah, a former KNUST student and ambassador of the university, who visited as part of efforts to support the institution's engineering department through a donation of a Fintec laboratory.

The proposed satellite campus and the wider collaboration are expected to connect KNUST's academic and research capabilities with national development priorities, particularly in mining, environmental protection and sustainable natural resource management.