The Centre for Applied Research and Innovation in Supply Chain-Africa (CARISCA) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has organised a symposium for some selected Senior High Schools (SHS) to learn about educational and career opportunities in supply chain management. The day’s workshop held on 9th May 2024 had nine SHSs in attendance.
Participating schools included Kumasi Anglican Senior High School, Parkoso Senior High School, Osei Tutu Senior High School, St. Joseph’s Technical Senior High School, Kumasi Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, Serwaa Nyarko Girls’ Senior High School, T. I. Ahmadiyya Girls Senior High School, Toase Senior High School, and Ejisuman Senior High School.

Opening the workshop, the Dean of KNUST School of Business (KSB), Professor Ahmed Agyapong delivered an overview of the KSB's programmes of study, addressing some common misconception about the programmes offered by the School. He noted that KSB offers a diverse range of career prospects, attracting students from various fields to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to broaden their global perspective and stay adaptable in an ever-evolving world. He presented to the students, the five (5) Academic Departments and highlighted the eleven (11) undergraduate programmes available.
He emphasised the significance of supply chain management, which became apparent during the COVID-19 Pandemic when essential commodities were in short supply due to inadequate supply chain infrastructure. This gap highlighted the need for further research and development in the field. The Dean also sought to dispel the notion that Accounting and Human Resource Management are the only courses available to Senior High School students at the School. KSB offers a wide range of beneficial career programmes, and he encouraged the students to explore career driven programmes of study with the KSB to discover their full potentials.

Dr. John Serbe Marfo, Lecturer at the Department of Supply Chain, and Information Systems, discussed the ‘Digital Backbone of Supply Chain Operations.’ He explained how IT innovations have transformed the supply chain industry, making it faster, smarter, and more efficient. Dr. Serbe explored emerging technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics, which are reshaping traditional supply chain processes.
Mr. Atoapem Frimpong Barimah, Senior Manager of Supply Chain Operations at Newmont Ghana, joined virtually to discuss the ‘Adventure of Supply Chain in the Mining Industry.’ He outlined the network of processes involved in moving raw materials through various stages of production and distribution, highlighting the crucial roles played by supply chain professionals.

Professor Robert Aidoo, from the Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension, outlined the various stages involved in the production, processing, packaging, and distribution of agricultural goods. According to him, there is a diverse range of career options available in the agricultural sector, from farming and food processing to logistics and marketing, and helped the students to gain a deeper appreciation for the critical role that agricultural supply chains play in feeding the world's population.
Dr. Linda Abrokwa, the President of the Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT), conducted an online session on Mastering the Art of Transport and Logistics, exploring global logistics management and the use of cutting-edge technology in efficient goods transportation.
The Eastern Regional Warehouse Manager, Mr. Samuel Adusei, on ‘Careers in Health Sector Supply Chain’ dived into the critical world of healthcare logistics, where supply chain professionals help save lives by ensuring vital supplies and medicines reach where they are needed most.