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IMF Resident Representative Dr. Adrian Alter Engages KNUST Economics Community on the 2026 Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa

paul.takyi — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:19:00 +0000

IMF Resident Representative Dr. Adrian Alter Engages KNUST Economics Community on the 2026 Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa paul.takyi Tue, 06/30/2026 - 16:19

The Department of Economics at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) hosted Dr. Adrian Alter, the International Monetary Fund’s Resident Representative for Ghana, on June 30, 2026, for a seminar on the 2026 Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa, titled “Hard-Won Gains Under Pressure.”

The event brought together faculty, postgraduate and undergraduate students, researchers, and guests to examine the region’s evolving macroeconomic landscape and the policy priorities needed to sustain growth amid heightened global uncertainty.

Presenting the outlook, Dr. Alter noted that Sub-Saharan Africa recorded its strongest economic performance in nearly a decade in 2025, underpinned by improved macroeconomic policies, moderating inflation, stronger external conditions, and better fiscal positions. He cautioned, however, that those gains remain vulnerable to emerging global shocks, particularly ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have pushed up oil, gas, fertilizer, and shipping costs, clouding the region’s growth prospects.

The presentation outlined several policy priorities for African economies: maintaining price stability through credible monetary policy, strengthening fiscal discipline while protecting vulnerable populations, improving domestic revenue mobilization, enhancing the efficiency of public expenditure, and accelerating structural reforms to support private-sector-led growth and economic diversification. Dr. Alter also stressed the importance of strengthening public financial management, deepening domestic financial markets, expanding digital financial inclusion, and harnessing digital technologies and artificial intelligence to lift productivity and public service delivery.

A lively interactive session followed, during which faculty and students engaged Dr. Alter on Ghana’s macroeconomic recovery, inflation dynamics, fiscal consolidation, monetary policy transmission, debt sustainability, exchange rate management, and the implications of declining official development assistance for African economies.

After the event, department members said the seminar provided timely, evidence-based policy analysis and practical insights into the region’s economic outlook. They reaffirmed the department’s commitment to fostering engagement between academia and international policy institutions to enrich teaching, research, and public policy discourse.

The Department of Economics extended its gratitude to Dr. Alter for the engaging and thought-provoking presentation and said it looked forward to deepening collaborations that advance evidence-based economic policy and research.

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Economics Student Miss Emmanuella Kumi Emerges Overall Best at CoHSS with CWA of 86.42

paul.takyi — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:52:25 +0000

Economics Student Miss Emmanuella Kumi Emerges Overall Best at CoHSS with CWA of 86.42 paul.takyi Mon, 11/24/2025 - 12:52

The Department of Economics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is proud to announce that Miss Emmanuella Kumi, a graduating student in Economics who graduated with a CWA of 86.42, has been named the Valedictorian of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University's 59th Congregation.

This achievement is significant for on several counts. First, Emmanuella is the sole female valedictorian in her cohort, a milestone that underscores her exemplary academic performance. Second, her recognition marks the third consecutive time that the Department of Economics has produced the College’s valedictorian, a clear testament to the department’s sustained culture of academic excellence.

Throughout her undergraduate studies, Emmanuella demonstrated outstanding scholarship, which culminated in her being selected to deliver the valedictory address on behalf of her peers. In doing so, she embodied the ideals of intellectual rigor, resilience, and community that KNUST seeks to instil in its students. In her valedictory speech, Emmanuella reportedly expressed gratitude to her lecturers, family, and fellow students. She also called on her colleagues to continue pursuing excellence, innovation, and ethical leadership as they embark on the next phase of their careers.

The Department of Economics has celebrated this milestone as a reinforcement of its commitment to nurturing not only academically outstanding students, but also future leaders in policy, research, and economic development. The recurrence of valedictorians from Economics over three successive convocations is seen by faculty as an affirmation of the department’s growing prominence within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Congratulations to Miss Emmanuella Kumi and the Department of Economics on this achievement.

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Department of Economics Produces Valedictorian for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences

paul.takyi — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 12:50:05 +0000

Department of Economics Produces Valedictorian for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences paul.takyi Wed, 11/27/2024 - 12:50

The Department of Economics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) celebrated a remarkable achievement as one of its own, Mr. Michael Boateng Agyenim, was named the valedictorian for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences during the university’s 58th Congregation. This recognition highlights the department's commitment to academic excellence and the holistic development of its students.

Mr. Michael Boateng Agyenim, who graduated with a CWA of 84.56, delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech on behalf of the 2024 graduating class. In his address, he reflected on his transformative journey at KNUST, emphasizing the rigorous training he received in economics and the nurturing support provided by both the Department of Economics and the wider KNUST community. His success serves as a testament to the department's dedication to fostering intellectual growth and academic excellence.

The 58th Congregation of KNUST saw thousands of graduates from various disciplines come together to celebrate their academic milestones. However, the spotlight shone brightly on the Department of Economics, whose achievement underscores its pivotal role in nurturing future leaders and scholars.

This milestone reinforces the department’s reputation as a hub of excellence and innovation, further motivating current and prospective students to strive for similar achievements.

Congratulations to Mr. Michael Boateng Agyenim and the Department of Economics on this outstanding recognition.

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Department of Economics Welcomes New Leadership as Outgoing Head Hands Over

paul.takyi — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:25:24 +0000

Department of Economics Welcomes New Leadership as Outgoing Head Hands Over paul.takyi Tue, 11/12/2024 - 12:25

In a significant transition during Department of Economics’ departmental board meeting, held on 11th of November, 2024, Prof. Mohammed Hadrat Yusif officially handed over the role of Head of Department to Prof. Eric Fosu Oteng-Abayie. This meeting brought together faculty members and staff to witness the ceremonial change in leadership and reflect on the achievements of the department under the outgoing head’s tenure.

Serving as head for 2 years, Prof. Mohammed Hadrat Yusif was lauded for his contributions to the department’s growth and success. Reflecting on his time as head, Prof. Mohammed Hadrat Yusif expressed appreciation for the department’s collective efforts and supports. His commitment to fostering an inclusive, innovative academic environment was acknowledged and applauded by board members.

Taking over the position, Prof. Eric Fosu Oteng-Abayie shared his enthusiasm and vision for the department, emphasizing goals such as developing new programmes, expanding international collaboration and partnerships, increasing research output, increasing internally generated funds, and enhancing student engagement. With close to 20 years of academic experience, Prof. Eric Fosu Oteng-Abayie is well-positioned to lead the department into a new phase of growth and success.

The session ended with warm congratulations from colleagues and staff, with many expressing optimisms about the department’s future under the new leadership.

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The First Female Professor of Economics in Ghana

paul.takyi — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:21:47 +0000

The First Female Professor of Economics in Ghana paul.takyi Wed, 04/17/2024 - 19:21

On April 15, 2024, the University Council of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, promoted Gace Nkansa Asante to the rank of Professor, effective August 1, 2022. This significant advancement marks her as the First Female Professor of Economics in Ghana. Warmest congratulations, Professor Grace Nkansa Asante.

Professor Nkansa Asante currently serves as a Faculty member of the Department of Economics at the KNUST. Additionally, she holds a Visiting Lecturer position at the Joint Facility for Electives (JFE) of the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC). From 2019 to 2022, she served as the Head of Department of Economics at KNUST. Currently, she holds the position of Vice Dean within the Faculty of Social Sciences under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, KNUST. Beyond her academic pursuits, she is also an ordained Priest in the Anglican Communion, serving at the Archbishop Thomas Cranmer Anglican Church at KNUST.

Prior to her tenure at KNUST, Professor Nkansa Asante contributed significantly as a research officer within the Governance Division of the African Development Bank in Abidjan. Furthermore, she served as a dedicated public administrator at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.

With an impressive teaching career spanning nineteen years, Professor Nkansa Asante's scholarly endeavors primarily focus on Economic Policy Analysis, Monetary Economics, and Financial Economics. She holds a PhD in Economics from KNUST, a master’s degree from the University of Ghana Legon and undergraduate degree in French and Economics from KNUST.

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Valedictorian for KNUST's 57th Congregation

paul.takyi — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 03:17:51 +0000

Valedictorian for KNUST's 57th Congregation paul.takyi Fri, 11/17/2023 - 03:17

Mr. Humphrey Ashimatey, of the Department of Economics, graduated with a CWA of 85.09, and is adjudged the overall best student for the 2023 graduating class. He is a product of Akatsi Senior High Technical School in the Volta region of Ghana.
As a student, his motivation stems from the innate desire to attain excellence in all spheres of his life and to achieve self-fulfillment. It was therefore not surprising that he obtained straight "A's" in all the courses he took as an undergraduate student.
His ambition is to become a Professor of Economics and a researcher, actively focusing on development areas in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
In his valedictorian speech at the 57th Congregation on Friday, November 17, 2023, he admonished his mates to make better decisions today for a better future as well as setting their minds on whatever they would want to achieve.
He is currently serving as a Teaching Assistant at the Department of Economics, KNUST, Kumasi.

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