Poland’s Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs Visits KsTU to Strengthen Academic Partnerships
Picture: A group picture of the Polish delegation with some officials of Kumasi Technical University, with Wojciech Zajączkowski sandwiched between Professor Nana Owoahene Boachie Adjei (seated 3rd from right), and Prof. Abena A. Obiri-Yeboah (seated 5th from left).
Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) has hosted Poland’s Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Wojciech Zajączkowski, on a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening Ghana-Poland relations and exploring opportunities for expanded academic cooperation.
The visit took place on Thursday, October 29, 2026 and was part of the Polish official’s engagements in Kumasi, including a meeting with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The delegation included Michał Cygan, Poland’s Ambassador to Ghana, resident in Abuja; Przemysław Bobak, former EU Ambassador to Chad; and Maria Niesłuchowska, Legal Advisor to the Undersecretary of State. Some Polish postgraduate students who are currently engaged in an international students exchange were also present at the meeting.
The delegation was received at the University’s Council Chamber by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Ing. Prof. Abena Agyeiwaa Obiri-Yeboah as the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Gabriel Dwomoh was on an official travel. Also accompanying the delegation was Professor Nana Owoahene Boachie Adjei, representing the Asantehene.
Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Obiri-Yeboah highlighted KsTU’s longstanding academic and technical relationships with Polish institutions, including the Silesian University of Technology and the University of Warsaw. She cited collaborative initiatives such as the CATAMARAN and HEER projects as examples of the existing cooperation between the institutions.
She also spoke about joint academic arrangements that provide opportunities for students to undertake part of their studies at partner institutions, promoting international exposure and opportunities for collaborative qualifications.
She reaffirmed the University’s readiness to pursue further collaboration, expressing hope that the visit would further open up bigger and better opportunities for joint projects and partnerships with additional institutions in Poland.
In his remarks, the head of the Polish delegation reflected on the history of Poland’s international cooperation, explaining that economic challenges and the crisis of the early 1990s had led to the suspension of several partnerships with countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia.
He noted that Poland was determined to renew such relationships on a different basis. He identified life sciences as a promising area for collaboration, expressing confidence that cooperation between Ghanaian and Polish institutions could produce meaningful outcomes. He also thanked KsTU for its hospitality and emphasised the Polish government’s interest in the welfare, academic progress and overall success of Polish students studying in Ghana.
Professor Nana Owoahene Boachie Adjei, representing the Asantehene, welcomed the renewed engagement between Ghana and Poland, describing it as an opportunity to revive the longstanding relations dating back to the 1960s.
He disclosed that he had been part of a delegation that travelled to Poland in June, where discussions at a conference involving His Excellency Wojciech Zajączkowski had contributed to the renewed cooperation which is now taking shape. He highlighted technology, industry and agriculture as areas in which Ghana could benefit from Polish expertise and experience.
He further emphasised the importance of international cooperation and the sharing of knowledge and resources, expressing hope that the renewed partnership would deliver lasting benefits to both countries.
During the open discussion session, the Director of International Affairs, Prof. Addo Koranteng raised concerns about visa refusals and other barriers that can hinder student mobility and international academic collaboration. The discussion highlighted the need to address practical challenges that affect exchanges and the implementation of international partnerships.
The Polish students also shared their experiences of studying at KsTU. Some disclosed that their journey to Ghana marked their first time travelling outside Europe. They described the experience as positive and enriching, offering opportunities to learn about a different culture, interact with new people and experience academic life in Ghana.
