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Appiah Stadium Lights Up as KNUST's Sports Gala Draws Queen Mother's Cheery Endorsement

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 5:52 GMT by Yen.com.gh

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The Appiah Stadium’s recent KNUST event brought a smile to Otumfuo’s wife and ignited new excitement for the university’s future plans

On a sunny afternoon in Kumasi, the Appiah Stadium—a venue that has been the heart of Ghana’s football and sporting culture since the early 2000s—hosted a spirited event that drew the attention of the nation’s most prominent figures. Among the dignitaries was the wife of the late King Otumfuo Nana Addo Dankwa III, the revered monarch of the Ashanti Kingdom. Her joyous reaction to the festivities—laughing loudly and visibly delighted—was captured by cameras and quickly turned into a rallying cry for the university’s next big venture.

Setting the scene: Appiah Stadium and KNUST

Appiah Stadium, officially known as the Kumasi Sports Stadium, is located in the capital of the Ashanti Region. The facility, which seats over 15,000 people, has long been a popular stage for domestic football matches, cultural performances, and large-scale gatherings. In recent years, the stadium’s management has sought to diversify its use by hosting events that showcase local talent and promote educational institutions.

Enter the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), a prestigious Ghanaian university famed for its research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. KNUST has an active sports program that competes in inter‑university leagues and often collaborates with regional sports bodies to host tournaments and exhibitions. The university’s “KNUST Cup”—a competition featuring student athletes from across Ghana—had been scheduled for a weekend in early September, and the event was slated to be held at Appiah Stadium to accommodate a larger audience and provide a professional setting for the athletes.

The event unfolds

The morning of the event began with a vibrant opening ceremony that highlighted the partnership between KNUST and the Ashanti regional government. Speeches by the university’s vice‑chancellor and a representative from the Ashanti Council of Ministers celebrated the collaboration, underscoring how sports can foster unity and development.

As the athletes arrived, the stadium’s atmosphere grew electric. Fans, decked out in KNUST’s signature colors of blue and gold, filled the stands, chanting and clapping. The event’s main highlight was a friendly match between the KNUST senior men’s team and a local academy squad. The game showcased a blend of technical skill, speed, and tactical discipline, drawing cheers from the crowd and praise from the coaching staff.

Otumfuo’s wife takes center stage

While the athletes were showcasing their talent, Otumfuo’s wife, who holds the title of Ashanti Queen Mother, was in attendance alongside her husband’s close advisers and a host of regional dignitaries. She was spotted by journalists at the sidelines, her laughter echoing throughout the stadium as she watched the match unfold. The queen mother’s light‑hearted demeanor was seen as a testament to her support for the younger generation and her commitment to encouraging local talent.

After the match, she took the opportunity to speak to the press. In her remarks, she lauded the university’s efforts to promote sports and education, noting that the KNUST team “has shown the kind of excellence that Ghana needs on the world stage.” She went on to emphasize the importance of providing students with opportunities to develop both academically and athletically. “When we give our youths a platform to shine, we not only build stronger teams but also stronger communities,” she said.

The queen mother’s comments resonated beyond the immediate crowd. She used the platform to hype the upcoming KNUST event scheduled for the next week—a “homecoming gala” that would bring together alumni, faculty, and supporters to celebrate the university’s 70th anniversary. In a spirited declaration, she urged everyone to “come together, support the spirit of KNUST, and let the world see the potential of our people.”

Broader implications

The article highlights the significance of such high‑profile endorsements for institutions like KNUST. The university’s outreach efforts, which have included partnerships with local government bodies and private sponsors, are designed to elevate the profile of Ghanaian higher education on a regional scale. By aligning with the Ashanti monarchy—whose cultural authority extends far beyond Kumasi—the university is positioning itself as a model for academic and athletic excellence.

Moreover, the event showcased the growing trend of using stadiums like Appiah for multifaceted purposes. While football remains the primary attraction, the venue is increasingly being utilized for cultural festivals, graduation ceremonies, and public address events. The success of the KNUST event is expected to encourage further such initiatives, potentially transforming Appiah Stadium into a year‑round hub for community engagement.

Looking ahead

In the wake of Otumfuo’s wife’s enthusiastic endorsement, KNUST plans to expand its athletic programs, aiming to secure more funding for scholarships and facilities. The university’s leadership has expressed intent to host additional sports tournaments at Appiah Stadium, hoping to nurture talent from across the country. Meanwhile, the Ashanti region’s governing bodies are exploring ways to leverage the stadium’s capacity for large‑scale events that can boost local tourism and economy.

The article concludes by noting that while the laughter of a queen mother may seem a fleeting moment, it underscores a deeper commitment: a collective investment in the youth of Ghana. Whether through sports, education, or cultural expression, the event at Appiah Stadium has set the stage for a future where local talent is celebrated and given the resources to flourish.