The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi is set to expand its collaboration with Italy's University of L'Aquila through the SMART Water Project, an initiative designed to implement intelligent and sustainable wastewater management systems.
This move aims to build on a successful postgraduate exchange program and tackle pressing water challenges through advanced technology and community engagement.
Professor Bruno Rubino, Vice-Rector for International Programme Affairs at the University of L'Aquila, led the Italian delegation to Ghana. He emphasized their visit's purpose: to strengthen existing ties and introduce the SMART Water initiative as a new frontier for partnership.
Dr. Henry Martin, a Lecturer in KNUST's Department of Physics and the Project Lead in Ghana, explained that the collaboration between the two universities began three years ago with the RealMaths Double-degree cooperation.
This program allowed KNUST postgraduate students to pursue a one-year double degree in Physics and Mathematics in Italy. He added that the current visit aims to advance this successful academic exchange through the new SMART Water Project.
Professor Antinisca Di Marco, the Italian Lead for the SMART Water Project, provided background on the initiative. She stated that the project addresses critical water management challenges through technological innovation, academic and professional training, and community involvement.
The project will deploy integrated wastewater treatment and reuse systems, supported by a Digital Twin platform for real-time monitoring and automated optimization.
It also envisions using mobile apps, low-cost sensors, and establishing "living labs" to boost public awareness, youth training, and gender inclusion. Professor Di Marco highlighted the project's focus on addressing inequalities in water access, promoting gender-inclusive participation in water management, and fostering digital and environmental innovation in local communities.
The SMART Water Project seeks not only to advance research and training at KNUST but also to serve as a scalable model for sustainable water management across Ghana and beyond.
Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, welcomed the delegation, expressing strong interest in the SMART Water Project. She noted its alignment with KNUST’s mission to collaborate with like-minded institutions in solving societal problems.
"Water is life, and this project is good news for us as it offers an innovative solution to improve wastewater management while building capacity, empowering our communities through education, gender inclusion, and technology,” she stated.
Professor Leonard Amekudzi, Provost of the College of Science, indicated plans to engage other KNUST departments to broaden the project's scope and explore complementary solutions in wastewater management.
