In a powerful demonstration of alumni commitment and civic responsibility, the Member of Parliament for Bantama, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has commissioned the Asenso-Boakye Infrastructure Research Hub at the Department of Planning of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

The facility, named in his honour in recognition of his contributions to development planning and infrastructure provision in Ghana, marks the second major academic support initiative he has delivered to 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 infrastructure planning, sustainable housing development, transport systems, and urban management.

The 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 essential equipment to support academic research and collaboration.

Addressing the gathering at the forecourt of the Amphitheatre of the new College of Art and Built Environment (CABE) Building during the commissioning ceremony, Asenso-Boakye emphasised that the initiative forms part of a broader effort to bridge the gap between academic research and infrastructure development in Ghana.

He noted that universities play a crucial role in generating knowledge and policy ideas that guide national development and stressed that the hub would serve as a platform for collaboration between researchers, policymakers, industry players, and development practitioners.

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

The Bantama legislator further underscored the importance of long-term infrastructure planning, noting that Ghana’s development must increasingly be guided by research, data, and strong institutional collaboration.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Akyamfour Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu, commended 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.

In attendance were the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi; a former Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Kwasi Kwarfo Adarkwa; the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. David Asamoah, who represented the Vice-Chancellor; the Provost of the College of Art and Built Environment, Prof.
Christian Koranteng; former Chief Executive Officer of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company, Nana Akwasi Awuah; as well as heads of department, faculty members, students and other distinguished guests.

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

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