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The School of Business at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), in collaboration with the University of Texas, Dallas (UTD), has launched the third biennial Ann and Jack Graves Foundation Conference under the theme: "Sustainability as a Solution to Global Business Challenges - A Focus on Africa."
Ghana is the first African country to host this conference, following two successful editions held in Dallas, United States.
The two-day event brings together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and students from across the globe, all focused on exploring sustainable solutions to global business challenges, with a particular emphasis on Africa.
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The conference featured two panel sessions. The first, "Navigating Sustainability Reporting in the Extractive Sector," examined challenges, innovations, and successes in the field. The second focused on the "Internationalisation of Higher Education."
There were also paper presentation sessions where participants addressed critical topics, including:
- Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Poverty
- Sustainability, Governance, and Corruption
- Women and Inclusive Development in Sustainability
- Sustainability and Innovation
- Education and Entrepreneurship
- Circular Economy and Sustainability
- Managing Human Resources
- Supply Chain Management
The opening ceremony, held at the KNUST School of Business in Kumasi on January 13, 2025, was graced by notable figures, including Dr Habte Woldu, Clinical Professor at the Jindal School of Management, UTD; Professor David Asamoah, Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST; and Mike Redeker, a member of the Ann and Jack Graves Foundation.
Others present included Professor Ahmed Agyapong, Dean of KNUST School of Business, and Dr Juan Gonzalez, Dean of Graduate Education at UTD.
Panellists included Tony Aubynn (Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy), Frank Boateng (University of Mines and Technology), Francis Eduku (Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management), and Nana Appia Kyei (Kosmos Energy).
Some participants who were unable to attend in person contributed virtually, ensuring the conference remained interactive and engaging.
Welcome address
In his welcome address, Professor Ahmed Agyapong expressed delight that KNUST was hosting the conference for the first time in Africa. He described the milestone as a testament to the growing reputation of KNUST School of Business as a hub for academic excellence, impactful research, and industry collaboration.
“Through partnerships and collaborations with leading institutions worldwide, we have made significant strides. These relationships have enhanced our global visibility and provided students and faculty with opportunities for exchange programmes, joint research projects, and cross-cultural learning experiences,” he said.
He also highlighted the financial benefits, adding: “Our efforts have significantly contributed to the internally generated funds (IGF) of the university, enabling us to support critical initiatives and infrastructure development.”
Keynote address
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, former Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlighted Africa’s unique position to lead sustainability efforts.
“Africa holds a wealth of natural resources, a dynamic and youthful population, and flourishing entrepreneurial energy, creating exceptional opportunities for transformative and sustainable development,” he said.
Dr Kokofu stressed that Africa’s potential lies in its abundant resources, stating: “The continent holds 30 per cent of the world’s mineral resources, 60 per cent of arable land, and immense renewable energy potential. These assets, if managed sustainably, can catalyse economic transformation and boost business ventures.”
He called on stakeholders to adopt strategic approaches to tackle challenges, asserting that “by addressing its challenges strategically, Africa can emerge as a leader in creating innovative and inclusive global solutions.”
