Sarkodie has picked up a new title in Kumasi. The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has recognised the rapper as an ambassador for its vision of moving "from Excellence to Eminence."

The honour came during a courtesy visit to Vice-Chancellor Professor Christian Agyare, which the university reported on October 21, 2026. Sarkodie and his team were in town for activities under his Rapperholic 26 project, including the Kumasi Rising dialogue.

A VVIP welcome

Prof Agyare presented the musician with a special plaque reserved for Very Very Important Persons who visit the university, according to ModernGhana.

The plaque shows the university's entrance designed as a traditional stool. It also features the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, whose land donation helped establish KNUST.

"We are moving from excellence to eminence, and we need people like you on board," the Vice-Chancellor said.

More than a title

KNUST says it wants a lasting partnership with the musician, whose real name is Michael Owusu Addo. The aim is to nurture student talent in the creative arts and open up chances for entrepreneurship.

Prof Agyare proposed regular, possibly yearly, sessions with Sarkodie's team. These would mentor students on balancing their studies with creative work and finding their way in the industry.

He said supporting student talent could help tackle graduate unemployment. He also urged Sarkodie to back efforts against drug abuse among young people.

Sarkodie's response

The rapper thanked the university for hosting the Kumasi Rising programme. He said the dialogue sessions mattered to him even more than performing.

"This is something dear to my heart," he said, adding that future editions could bring together not just creatives but entrepreneurs too.

This year's Kumasi Rising was themed "Positioning the Creative Economy and Shaping Kumasi's Future." His team also outlined plans for a community project at a district hospital.

SRC President Jude Michelle Korleh Nortey said the visit was a step towards a long-standing relationship. KNUST says talks will continue on formalising the partnership.

Source: KNUST University Relations Office (opens in a new tab)