The Ghana Photonics and Optics Laboratory (GPOL) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has embarked on a photonics outreach initiative across Accra, equipping young learners in underserved schools with practical science experiences.
Led by Dr. Akyana Britwum, Dr. Michael Kweku Edem Donkor, and Mr. Martin Kusi of the Department of Physics, the programme was organised in partnership with the Ghana Christian International High School (GCIHS) and targeted schools in Dodowa and surrounding communities, many of which lack basic science laboratories.
Working together with the KNUST Photonics Student Chapter (KPSC), the GPOL team engaged more than 500 students through demonstrations, interactive learning sessions, and teacher support. The outreach was designed to introduce learners to the world of optics and photonics, stimulate early interest in science, and inspire future careers in STEM.
Dr. Britwum, Principal Investigator of the project, said the initiative seeks to bridge the awareness and access gap surrounding photonics in Ghana.
“Many people have never even heard of photonics. When we visit schools, our goal is to create awareness. These outreaches are very hands-on; we let students perform the experiments themselves. We want to empower the next generation of photonics and optics scientists in Ghana,” he stated.
The hands-on laboratory sessions were facilitated by Terrence Kessler, Senior Research Engineer and Diversity Manager at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE), University of Rochester. He emphasised that early exposure to optics and laser science can be life-shaping.
“The goal of bringing education on optics and lasers to students is to expose them to a variety of scientific concepts and technologies so they can begin to dream about their own education and careers in the future,” he said.
Kessler shared how his own fascination began at high school, describing how appreciating the beauty of light fuels deeper curiosity.
“I want students to know the enjoyable aspects of light—how it moves, how it operates, and how it makes things happen. When you see the beauty of light, it motivates you to learn the mathematics and the physics behind it.”
As part of the initiative, participating schools received specially developed STEM and photonics kits co-created with Dext Technologies, enabling teachers and students to continue experimentation after the outreach. The kits contain lenses to demonstrate light convergence and divergence, mirrors, diodes, lasers, and other optical components required for introductory optics experiments. Teachers were trained on how to integrate the kits into practical science lessons.
The programme was funded by the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE), with additional support from Dext Technologies and Dr. Ruf Fabian of Helping Hands Libraria.
What is Photonics and why does it matter?
Photonics is the branch of science and technology that focuses on the study and application of light (photons) how it is generated, controlled, transmitted, and detected. Similar to how electronics uses electrons to perform work, photonics uses photons (light particles) to drive technologies that power modern life.
Photonics underpins countless innovations including:
- Lasers and fibre-optic communications
- Medical imaging and surgical equipment
- Solar energy and renewable power systems
- Autonomous vehicle sensors and remote sensing
- High-precision manufacturing and 3D printing
- Barcode scanners, optical sensors, and displays
Globally, photonics is recognised as a key enabling technology, critical to future advances in healthcare, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, defence, space science, and sustainable energy.
