The Department of Physics of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) together with the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies of the University of Ghana, and the KNUST Geophysical Society have launched the maiden edition of the KNUST SEG Field Camp on 1st July 2022. The project, funded by the Society of Exploration Archaeology and Heritage at the University of Ghana is open to all Geoscience students in Ghana.
Launching the 1st KNUST SEG Geophysics Field Camp, the Provost of the College of Science, Professor Leonard Amekudzi believed academia should be at the forefront of tackling challenges that the country faces and provide workable developmental solutions. The Field camp he emphasised, is an essential component of many academic-industrial exchanges which will lead to identifying fertile areas for research in Ghana and highlights the Department’s readiness to collaborate with various universities and partners to sustainably develop Ghana.
The Project lead, Dr. Cyril D. Boateng gave an overview of the Field Camp. According to him, the Camp will be held for two weeks with full sponsorship. Any Geoscience student at a university in Ghana can apply. Once selected, they will be taken through 2 days of preparation and then finally taken to the actual sites of the Field Camp. “At the Camp, they will get to learn how to do actual geophysical surveys, process, and interpret data, and prepare geophysical reports,” he said.
Dr. Boateng used the opportunity to appreciate Professor Wazi Apoh from the University of Ghana, the SEG Foundation, collaborators on the project in KNUST; Professor David Dotse Wemegah, Professor Akwasi Acheampong Aning, Mr. Van-Dycke Sarpong Asare and the KNUST Geophysical Society for their unflinching support and their respective roles they have played in making preparatory activities for the Camp successful.
‘The primary purpose of the Field Camp is to conduct heritage investigations of historical slave sites using geophysics by gathering data and training students. Tracing the different slave routes and the living conditions of enslaved people is essential for enriching historical contexts and providing a proper understanding of the varied nature of the trade in enslaved people. This project will help discover relics of slavery such as shackles, rifles, unearthed remains, pottery, beads, and evidence of cultural practices which will help throw light on the living conditions of slaves.’
Applicants can complete the application process via this Link.