On January 31, 2025, the Vice-Chancellor of Sunyani Technical University (STU), Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, commissioned a range of portable hand tools and electronic devices procured through a grant under the Ghana Skills Development Fund (GSDF) project (GSDF/C2/00083/13). The project, which encompasses a series of activities, is aimed at developing training modules to build the capacity of the youth in contemporary ceiling and drywall construction.
“Grants are a vital component of university growth,” Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah stated. “When you visit institutions globally, you often wonder how they acquire advanced equipment. The answer lies in partnerships and grants—whether from governments, international organizations, or private entities. Procuring heavy, expensive equipment through student fees alone is simply not feasible. The Faculty of Built Environment and Applied Arts has set an exemplary precedent by securing this GSDF grant, and we urge other faculties to follow suit in pursuing grantsmanship to expand programs, upgrade infrastructure, and enhance student training.”
The Vice-Chancellor commended the grant proposal team led by Prof. Zoya Evans Kpamma, Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment and Applied Arts, and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting the project’s implementation. “We applaud the dedication of everyone involved in drafting the proposal and managing this initiative. Rest assured, the university leadership stands ready to provide any additional assistance required to ensure its success.”
Highlighting the project’s broader impact, he noted, “Ceiling and drywall construction is a critical sector in Ghana, yet we often rely on foreign expertise from neighboring countries like Togo and Benin. By equipping our youth with these specialized skills, we can retain economic value within Ghana, foster job creation, and strengthen our economy. This project aligns with STU’s mission to empower students, staff, and the nation’s youth through relevant, hands-on education.”
Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah concluded with optimism: “We are confident this initiative will not only benefit Sunyani Technical University but also contribute significantly to Ghana’s development agenda. We extend our gratitude to all stakeholders for making this transformative project possible.”
The event was attended by several university staff members, including:
Prof. Zoya Evans Kpamma, Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment and Applied Arts;
Mr. Thomas Kwafo, Director of Finance;
Mr. Kofi Antwi, Deputy Director of Finance (Budgets);
Mr. Gabriel Awuah, Procurement Officer;
Mr. Adamu Mohammed, ICT Director;
Madam Safura Mohammed Suraj, Faculty Officer, FBEAA;
Rev. Dr. Edward Nana Addy, Head of the Building Technology Department; and
Mr. Eric Kwaku Asare, Head of the Wood Technology Department.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in STU's commitment to providing practical, skills-based education that aligns with national development goals. The university remains dedicated to fostering innovation and equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in the modern workforce.