UEW Alumni President Donates GH₵1,000 to Injured Creative Arts Student
Dr. Samuel Ofori Danquah, President of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) Alumni Association, has donated GH₵1,000.00 to support the medical treatment of Mr. Emmanuel Akwasi, a Creative Arts student of the University, who sustained severe injuries while working on a class project titled “Waste to Worth.”
Dr. Danquah donated the amount when he visited the student at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba on Friday, 3rd October, 2025. The visit formed part of his humanitarian gesture to stand with students in times of need, especially those who demonstrate creativity, resilience and passion for their craft.
Mr. Akwasi reportedly sustained injuries while working with two colleagues on their innovative project, “Waste to Worth,” which reimagines discarded materials as artistic and culturally significant objects. The 46-foot installation, displayed at the Students’ Centre, UEW, was constructed using two common waste products—discarded aluminium beverage cans and second-hand clothing (locally referred to as obroni w’awu). This work symbolically addresses Ghana’s growing waste management crisis and its impact on public health and environmental sustainability.
Unfortunately, during the course of constructing the monumental piece, Mr. Akwasi sustained a serious injury that has since required multiple surgical interventions. His peers have since launched a fundraising campaign on social media to solicit financial assistance for his medical bills.
Touched by the plight of the young artist, Dr. Danquah, who is also alumnus of the Department of Graphic Design Education, responded to the appeal and extended financial support on behalf of the UEW Alumni Association.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Danquah explained that his motivation to assist stemmed from both personal and institutional concerns.
“Some students made appeals to the Department of Art Education on social media for their friend when they posted his pictures. As a concerned member of the University community, as well as the Alumni President and a former student of the Graphics Department, I was encouraged to support this student. That is why I decided to contribute GH₵1,000.00 towards his treatment,” he said.
He further expressed empathy for the injured student and encouraged members of the University community and the public to contribute to the recovery process.
Mr. Akwasi, who remains optimistic despite the physical and emotional toll of his injury, has been described by his peers and lecturers as a determined and exceptionally talented student. The “Waste to Worth” installation, his group’s final-year project, continues to draw admiration for its creativity and environmental message, serving as a testament to the transformative power of art and innovation at UEW.
As efforts continue to raise funds for Mr. Akwasi’s ongoing treatment, the UEW Alumni Association has called on individuals, corporate bodies and philanthropic organisations to extend further assistance to ensure his full recovery and return to academic and artistic excellence.
