Sexual harassment, extortion, frustration, weak communication skills are among the many social challenges faced by students in several educational facilities in Ghana. 

In a quest to upgrade social relations between students and staff and to end rampant social vices on campus, the Kumasi Technical University has launched its maiden “Students Matter Most” project.  

The launch of the maiden project saw students, teaching and non-academic staff of the Kumasi Technical University deliberate on pragmatic measures to provide an enabling environment for students. 

The year-long campaign is under the theme “Standardising the Relationship between staff and students”. 

Vice Chancellor of KsTU, Ing. Professor Nana Osei-Wusu Achaw, assured that the initiative would ensure the wellbeing and interest of students. 

“I have witnessed, rather sadly, lecturer-student relationships that can be described as master-servant relationships. 

“I have witnessed relationships in this period that put students in a sorry state, relationships that make the life and experiences of the students burdensome, and not the kind that students can savour.

“This project seeks to help build the kind of student-staff relationship that will enable students who join our university to believe in themselves, have the courage to be resourceful, creative, and innovative,” he said. 

Management of the University has instituted periodic student orientation for effective communication, access points and helplines, and peer counsellors for a conducive and friendly environment for teaching and learning. 

Some fresh and continuing students of the University are optimistic that the approach would instill confidence in students and safeguard their stay on campus. 

“As a continuing student, I believe that I can approach my lecturers and even the non-teaching staff for help. Before, it was a bit funny to even go to a lecturer,” Dora Melanie, a final year student, said. 

A male student, Frederick Agyei, added “for me as a guy, it was difficult approaching a lecturer with my challenges. I think this project would build some confidence in me and provide me with the channels to approach my lecturers”. 

Derra Mensah, a fresher, is also confident the project would help her navigate her way on campus. 

“I was shy to go to anyone and ask for help to know my way around campus. But now, I am confident to approach anyone for help,” she said.