A delegation from the Francis Faki Amaquah Foundation (FAFF), led by Mrs. Mercy Bruce Amanquah, Founder and CEO, and comprising Mrs. Mary Agyepong, Board Chair, along with Dr. Mercy Opare-Addo, paid a courtesy visit to Professor David Asamoah, Pro Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), on February 21, 2025 at the Council Chamber.
The Francis Faki Amanquah Foundation (FAKI) organisation established in memory of the esteemed IT Executive, Mr. Francis Faki Amanquah. Recognised for his exceptional fortitude and leadership, Amanquah's legacy continues to inspire many. Notably, Francis Faki Amanquah was an alumnus of KNUST, thus solidifying the Foundation's ties with the university.
Dedicated to continuing his legacy, the Foundation is committed to providing scholarships and mentorship programmes specifically tailored for young Ghanaian women entering their second year at KNUST. These scholarships, spanning a duration of three years, are designed to empower students with exceptional academic achievements but limited financial means, facilitating their pursuit of a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering and nurturing their aspirations for success.
Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KNUST and the FFAF, the Foundation, in collaboration with KNUST, extended an invitation to second-year female students specialising in Computer Engineering and Computer Science, who exhibited exemplary academic performance alongside financial constraints, to submit applications for the scholarships.
After a meticulous selection process, six (6) outstanding candidates were selected, including three from the field of Computer Engineering and two from Computer Science.
The team, under the leadership of Mrs. Mercy Bruce Amanquah, introduced the second cohort of FFAF scholars comprising Delali Mina Torgah, Christabel Benewaah, Khadija Ndaiya Kamil , Ikhlas Adeola Abdul-Sattar, Ampem Kobi Afriyie, and Isobel Naa Norkor Noye, to the Pro-Vice Chancellor, expressing sincere gratitude to KNUST for transforming this dream into reality.
Mrs. Bruce Amaquah took the opportunity to share the vision and mission of the FFAF emphasising the foundation's dedication to empowering young Ghanaian women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, particularly in Computer Engineering and Computer Science. She reiterated the importance of providing opportunities for talented but financially disadvantaged students to pursue their academic dreams and contribute meaningfully to the technology sector.
Mrs. Bruce Amanquah also highlighted FFAF's commitment to mentorship, recognising the vital role it plays in nurturing the next generation of female leaders in STEM. She expressed her belief in the transformative power of education and mentorship, underlining that through these initiatives, FFAF aims to not only support individual students but also drive positive change in the broader community.
Professor Asamoah warmly welcomed the team to KNUST and expressed his heartfelt appreciation for their dedicated efforts in implementing the scholarship scheme. He extended gratitude for honouring Mr. Francis Faki Amanquah, an alumnus of KNUST. He reiterated KNUST's commitment to training professionals for the global stage, highlighting the importance of partnerships in achieving this mandate. He thanked FFAF for the collaboration and the invaluable opportunity provided to the young scholars. On behalf of the scholars, he pledged to ensure they make the most of this opportunity.
Ampem Kobi Afriyie, speaking on behalf of her fellow scholars, expressed heartfelt gratitude to FFAF for their unwavering commitment to education, which has provided them with life-changing opportunities. They also expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, the Pro Vice Chancellor and the International Programmes Office, with special mention to the Dean, Prof. Daniel Y. A. Duah, for their instrumental role in facilitating the collaboration with FFAF and encouraging second-year female students to apply for the scholarship. Kobi emphasized that they are now more determined than ever to achieve even greater heights.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various academic and administrative Units of KNUST. Among them were Professor Esmeranda Manful, Vice Dean of IPO; Professor Emmanuel Asuming Frimpong, the Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and also representing the Provost of the College of Engineering; Professor Emmanuel Kofi Akowuah, HOD of Computer Engineering; Professor John Asiedu Larbi, presenting the Provost of College of Science; Professor Nathaniel Owusu Boadi, Vice-Dean , Physical and Computational Sciences and Professor Micheal Asante, HOD of Computer Science.
Additionally, there were administrative staff including Mr. George Effah-Asamoah, Deputy Finance Officer, Student’s Section; Mrs. Yvonne Baiden, Senior Assistant Registrar; Ms. Ernestine Oheneba Danso, Collaborations and Partnerships Officer; Mr. Attah-Nyame, Visibility and Communication Officer; and Mr. Joel Mensah Inbound and Outbound Officer, all representing the International Programmes Office.
