Kumasi, 16th March 2026 — Member of Parliament for Bantama and former Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has deepened his support for academic development at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) with the commissioning of the Asenso-Boakye Infrastructure Research Hub at the university’s Department of Planning.

The facility, named in his honour in recognition of his contributions to development planning and infrastructure provision in Ghana, represents the second major initiative he has supported at the department within the past year, following the establishment of the Asenso-Boakye Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Laboratory in 2025.

Established through a partnership between the Bantama Asenso-Boakye Foundation and the Department of Planning, the hub is expected to strengthen research and policy innovation in areas such as infrastructure planning, sustainable housing development, transport systems, and urban management.

The newly commissioned facility comprises four well-furnished offices, a staff reception area, and modern research facilities equipped with advanced computer systems, specialised software applications, printers, and other equipment to support academic research and collaboration.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the forecourt of the Amphitheatre of the new College of Art and Built Environment (CABE) Building, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye underscored the importance of bridging the gap between academic research and infrastructure development in Ghana.

He emphasised that universities play a critical role in generating knowledge and policy ideas that guide national development and noted that the research hub would provide a platform for collaboration between researchers, policymakers, industry players, and development practitioners.

According to him, the centre will support research in key areas including urban planning, sustainable housing, transport systems, energy infrastructure, digital connectivity, and climate-resilient development.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Akyamfour Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu, commended Hon. Asenso-Boakye for his sustained commitment to advancing planning education and research at the university.

He described the establishment of the research hub as a significant contribution that would enhance the university’s capacity to undertake policy-relevant research and provide practical solutions to Ghana’s growing urban and infrastructure challenges.

The Asenso-Boakye Infrastructure Research Hub is expected to serve as a centre for interdisciplinary research and innovation, supporting students, faculty and development practitioners in developing sustainable solutions to Ghana’s infrastructure and urban development needs.

During a tour of the newly established facility with faculty members and other dignitaries, a number of ideas and recommendations were shared on how the hub could further strengthen research and training in infrastructure development.

Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of the Department of Planning introducing, in the future, a specialised programme in Infrastructure Research to deepen academic work in the field.