In a ceremony that celebrated academic excellence and agricultural innovation, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) conferred an honorary doctorate degree (Doctor of Science, D.Sc. Honoris Causa) on Mr. Daniel Fahene Acquaye, the Group CEO of Agri-Impact Limited. The prestigious honour was bestowed upon Mr. Acquaye in recognition of his outstanding contributions to agriculture, agribusiness, youth development, and technological innovation in Ghana. The ceremony, held during the 59th Congregation of KNUST on Saturday, November 29, 2025, in Kumasi, was presided over by the Chancellor, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and supported by the Vice Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson.
The event marked another significant milestone in Mr. Acquaye’s enduring partnership with his alma mater. Earlier this year, KNUST named its newly established drone training facility after him, acknowledging his pivotal role in promoting modern agricultural technologies. The Dan F. Acquaye Drone Innovation and Simulation Unit is a testament to his commitment to advancing agricultural technology training in Ghana, aiming to empower the next generation to deliver precision agriculture services to farmers, thereby enhancing productivity and sustainability in the sector.
Beyond his technological contributions, Dr. Acquaye has been a steadfast partner of KNUST, particularly in youth-focused development initiatives. As an ambassador of the University’s E-Learning Centre, he has championed several transformative programmes, including the E-HAPPY Project—an extension of the widely acclaimed HAPPY Program—which has trained over 200,000 young Ghanaians in agribusiness and digital agriculture.
Speaking at the event, the KNUST Vice Chancellor highlighted the significance of the honour, stating that it was not only a celebration of an accomplished alumnus but also a reaffirmation of the University’s commitment to driving national transformation through academic excellence, technology, and strategic partnerships. “Daniel Fahene Acquaye, an internationally renowned agricultural and agribusiness personality, we celebrate your value chain expertise because you are a proud alumnus of this great university. We salute you. Your passion for nurturing agribusiness and small-scale enterprises is unmatched… In recognition of your extraordinary service to humanity, your transformative impact on agribusiness, and your unwavering support for academia, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, on this 29th day of November 2025, proudly confers on you the honorary Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa,” excerpts of the citation in his honour read.
In his remarks, Dr. Acquaye expressed profound gratitude to the University, noting that the recognition strengthens his resolve to continue supporting innovative, youth-led agricultural development and academia. The event was graced by the Vice President of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Chancellor of KNUST, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II; the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene; captains of industry; academia; and other dignitaries. In all, 221 postgraduate students were awarded PhDs in various academic fields.
The ceremony also witnessed the commissioning of ten state-of-the-art greenhouse farms on the KNUST campus. This new addition, a partnership between KNUST and Agri-Impact, brings the total number of greenhouse farms managed by Agri-Impact–led subsidiary Fresh Logistics on the KNUST campus to 21. The commissioning was performed by the Chancellor of KNUST, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The implications of this honour and the ongoing partnership between KNUST and Agri-Impact are far-reaching. The recognition of Dr. Acquaye’s contributions underscores the importance of leveraging technology and innovation to drive agricultural development and youth empowerment in Ghana. The establishment of the Dan F. Acquaye Drone Innovation and Simulation Unit and the expansion of greenhouse farms on the KNUST campus are significant steps towards enhancing agricultural education and research, ultimately contributing to the country’s food security and economic growth.
Moreover, the collaboration between academia and industry, as exemplified by the partnership between KNUST and Agri-Impact, serves as a model for other institutions and businesses to follow. By working together, they can create a sustainable ecosystem that fosters innovation, supports youth development, and drives agricultural transformation. The honour conferred on Dr. Acquaye is not just a personal achievement but a collective celebration of the power of education, technology, and strategic partnerships in shaping the future of agriculture in Ghana.