The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has organised a 2-day Scientific Conference as part of activities to commemorate its inaugural Research Week, dubbed "TEKCONFAB 2023." The week-long event, held from 29th May to 2nd June 2023 focused on the theme of "Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Science and Technology." The Conference aimed to foster collaboration, inspire groundbreaking research, and promote entrepreneurial initiatives within the University community.
Delivering his welcome address, Professor Charles Marfo, the Provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at KNUST, emphasised the significance of the Research Week. He noted that TEKCONFAB 2023 provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful discussions, forge valuable connections, and contribute to the advancement of science and technology in Ghana and beyond.
Setting the tone for the Conference, Professor Jonathan N. Hogarh, the Chairman of the Scientific Committee for the Conference, delivered an overview of the event. He highlighted the historic nature of the gathering as a significant milestone for KNUST. Professor Hogarh disclosed that TEKCONFAB 2023 aimed to establish a platform for researchers, postgraduate students, and policymakers to collaborate effectively and tackle complex scientific and technological challenges. He noted that the comprehensive programme seeks to facilitate meaningful networking opportunities and foster lasting relationships that could shape the future of science.
In his keynote address, Dr. Samuel Y. Akomea, Head of the KNUST Business Incubator, spoke on the topic "Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Strengthening the Third Mission of the University for a Sustainable Future." He outlined the vital role that innovation and entrepreneurship play in driving sustainable development. He stressed the need for universities to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among students and researchers, encouraging them to translate their scientific breakthroughs into tangible solutions that address societal needs.
He underscored the importance of universities fostering a supportive ecosystem that empowers researchers to transform their innovative ideas into viable commercial ventures. By nurturing entrepreneurship, institutions like KNUST can contribute to job creation, economic growth, and the well-being of society, he added. He also urged Departments and Faculties to collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects and promote entrepreneurial initiatives.
Professor Abraham Badu-Tawiah from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in Ohio State University, USA and an Alumnus of KNUST presented on the topic ‘‘Serving the Underserved Population through Technology Development.’’ He shared his research on disease diagnosis for malaria and cystic fibrosis where he leveraged on technology to address the healthcare needs of the underserved populations. He stressed the importance of basic research as a fundamental pillar for expanding knowledge. He hinted that by building a strong foundation through research, one can unlock new possibilities for innovation. Drawing from his experiences in Ghana, he explained how technology can play an essential role in bridging healthcare gaps for underserved communities.
Day two of the Scientific Conference saw presentations from Mr. Christian Boakye Yiadom, CEO of CEQA Foods and Beverages Ghana, popularly known as Pizzaman and Chickenman, and Professor Frederick Ato Armah, Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, respectively.
In his address, Mr. Christian Boakye Yiadom highlighted the significance of innovation and entrepreneurship during his speech. He shared his own experiences and achievements as a young entrepreneur, stating the need to be proactive when starting a business. ‘‘Whatever goal you have set for yourself in entrepreneurship/business will not walk to you unless you make an effort. You need to make the first move, regardless of your situation, to achieve the goal you set for your business,’’ he said.
Mr. Yiadom also emphasised the significant role of research in addressing the needs of clients, which has contributed to the widespread recognition of the Pizzaman and Chickenman brands within Ghana. ‘‘As an entrepreneur, you have to work with data and research to inform the decisions to the problems you intend to solve.’’ He mentioned that through innovation, his business has scaled through numerous challenges to achieve a great feat. He further outlined some achievements his outfit gained as a result of research and innovation.
Professor Frederick Ato Armah, Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast also took the participants through ‘‘Scholarly Research and the Innovation Ecosystem.’’ He explained that innovation is based on open and systematic interactions between Academia, Government, the Private sector, and the general public. He said that in enhancing the innovation capacity of universities, there is a need to strengthen and pay strategic attention to innovation across all departments and faculties. As such, a long-term partnership with Academia and Industries to respond to societal challenges; incentives, rewards, and support for academic staff, innovation activities; and the integration of entrepreneurship training into all study programmes are needed to enhance the innovation capacity of universities.
The Scientific Research Conference, which took place on the 30th and 31st of May 2023 featured a diverse range of activities including keynote presentations, posters, and oral presentations, as well as breakout sessions. The Scientific Conference attracted prominent researchers, postgraduate students, policymakers, and industry professionals from various fields, all eager to exchange ideas and explore innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges. A total of 368 abstracts were accepted, which provided a platform for researchers to showcase their groundbreaking works. Among these abstracts, 207 were selected for oral presentations and 134 were displayed for poster presentations.