The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has officially declared two of its former students, Ransford Fosu-Boateng (popularly known as "Scammer Baby") and Raphael Appiah Owusu, as persona non grata, barring them from accessing the university premises indefinitely. The university’s decision follows persistent acts of indiscipline and ongoing threats posed to campus security.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Registrar, KNUST revealed that Ransford Fosu-Boateng was dismissed from the university on March 21, 2022. Raphael Appiah Owusu, on the other hand, faced dismissal at the conclusion of the 2023/2024 academic year.
Despite their official dismissal, the university reported that both individuals had continued to engage in unauthorized activities on campus. They were accused of infiltrating residential halls, causing disturbances, harassing students, and violating KNUST's strict disciplinary codes.
Triggering Incident: Unlawful Assembly and Vandalism
The final event that prompted KNUST’s decisive action was the involvement of the two former students in an unauthorized gathering that escalated into vandalism and significant damage to university property. The disruptive activities were captured on the university’s advanced CCTV monitoring systems, providing clear evidence of their misconduct.
Following this, university management concluded that the continued presence of these individuals posed a serious threat to the safety and orderliness of the university community.
As a result, KNUST authorities officially stated, “They are no longer students of the University. They have been declared persona non grata and will be treated as trespassers if found anywhere within the KNUST campus or its facilities.”
Strict Measures for Current Students
In addition to banning the former students, the university has cautioned all current students against any form of association with Fosu-Boateng and Owusu. KNUST made it clear that students found aiding, facilitating, or supporting the banned individuals in accessing university grounds or resources would face severe disciplinary penalties.
The statement underscored that student cooperation is crucial for maintaining the safety, security, and academic integrity of the institution.
University's Stance on Discipline and Security
The declaration was signed by Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe, Deputy Registrar at the University Relations Office. Dr. Bekoe reaffirmed KNUST’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a conducive learning environment free from violence, intimidation, and lawlessness.
“Our primary objective is to guarantee the safety and well-being of every member of our university community. Indiscipline, misconduct, and breaches of security protocols will not be tolerated,” the statement emphasized.
The university also assured the public, students, and staff that it would continue deploying measures to uphold discipline, safeguard lives and property, and create a peaceful environment where academic and personal growth can flourish.
Background: Past Incidents and Disciplinary Challenges
While the university refrained from disclosing full details about the previous disciplinary records of Fosu-Boateng and Owusu, sources indicate that both individuals have been implicated in multiple incidents over the years, including unauthorized gatherings, harassment complaints, and public disturbances.
Their continued presence on campus after dismissal only heightened concerns about their influence over current students and their potential to incite further unrest.
This latest action demonstrates KNUST’s readiness to take firm measures against any threats that could destabilize academic activities and jeopardize the welfare of its community.
Community Reaction
Following the announcement, many students have expressed support for the university’s decision, noting that the safety of the larger student body must take precedence over the actions of a few.
"I think KNUST has done the right thing. The campus must be safe for everyone. We come here to learn, not to live in fear because of a few troublemakers," said a third-year engineering student.
Others emphasized the importance of setting strong examples to deter similar behavior in the future.
“Once someone is dismissed, they should not be allowed to interfere with campus activities again. This will send a clear message to everyone about the consequences of misconduct,” a member of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) added.
Moving Forward
KNUST management has urged all students, staff, and visitors to remain vigilant and report any sightings or suspicious activities involving the banned individuals. Security measures have been tightened at entry points across campus, and surveillance efforts have been intensified to ensure full compliance with the new directive.
As KNUST looks forward to maintaining its position as one of Africa’s leading institutions of higher learning, management is determined to uphold discipline and protect the integrity of the academic environment at all costs.
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