Ghanaian entrepreneur and investor, Mr. Richard Nii Armah Quaye, has pledged an annual scholarship for brilliant but financially challenged students at the KNUST School of Business.
He said that the scholarship is part of his broader efforts to support young people to “build and not complain,” stressing that national development depends on individuals who choose action. He revealed that the initiative is intended to remove financial barriers for high-achieving students.
“Education should never be limited by circumstance. We want to ensure that brilliant minds are given the opportunity to rise,” he said.
Mr. Quaye made the announcement at the 59th congregation of the KNUST School of Business. Reflecting on his own background, he urged graduates to embrace discipline and determination as they begin their careers.
“I didn’t start my journey with privileges or with wealth. What I had was hunger. hunger to build, hunger to solve problems, you don’t have to come from wealth to create wealth. But you do need discipline, structure, and the right ecosystem. Ghana does not need spectators; Ghana needs builders. Ghana needs creators. Ghana needs leaders,” he said.
Mr. Quaye also encouraged graduates to take risks and resist the urge to wait for perfect conditions.
“If I had waited for perfect timing, Quick Angels and RNAQ Holdings would not exist,” he said. “Start small. Start imperfect. Start now.”
The Provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Charles Ofosu Marfo, highlighted increased international engagement by the School of Business.
Three MPhil students completed academic projects at the Technical University of Munich under DAAD sponsorship, one of whom secured a fully funded PhD opportunity.
Staff and early-career researchers also participated in a DIGILOGIC exchange programme at Leipzig University, while eight postgraduate students attended leadership training at the University at Buffalo in the United States.
The School further hosted a 48-member delegation from Southern University in the United States for a 10-day academic and cultural exchange, reinforcing ties between the institutions.
Prof. Marfo noted that industry support expanded during the year. ACCA Ghana established a resource centre with 15 computers and learning materials valued at about GHS 200,000, while OmniBSIC Bank donated 30 desktop computers to the School.
The Oliver Tambo Scholarship Scheme continued to support brilliant but needy students, and outreach programmes were strengthened to engage local entrepreneurs.
A third-year accounting student was named the Overall Best Graduating Level 2 Student at the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana induction ceremony, receiving awards in Financial Reporting and Audit and Assurance.
Students also secured top awards in ACCA professional exams, while the School won the 2025 Graphic Business Tertiary Business Sense Challenge and the 2025 National Insurance Debate.