It is undoubtedly true that Technology has metamorphosed immensely from the club and stone days of prehistoric man to the present, digitally motivational ICT era. In line with the University’s policies to train quality individuals who would apply daily theoretical knowledge acquired in class to the building of relevant practical projects and research works aimed at solving societal problems, the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the University Administration have launched the Annual TRATECH (Trade and Technology fair) today, 9th march, 2010, in a colourful ceremony. The theme for this year’s event is: Commerce “Creativity+ Innovation”.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. K. K. Adarkwa, Chairman for the occasion lauded the organisers and sponsors of TRATECH 2010 for a successful planning and execution of the event. This programme has always been part of the SRC and the University’s calendar which offers a platform to showcase to the world, research findings and innovations emanating from the University particularly from the student body.
In this 21st Century of constant innovation, product improvement and competition, among others, national development, should necessarily hinge on creativity and innovations. Prof. K.K. Adarkwa said “Over the years, one of our problems has been the link between industry and research outcomes. In other words, letting our research see the light of day; commercialising machines to solve the everyday problems of the Ghanaian.This problem culminated in the introduction of entrepreneurship as a compulsory subject for every student of the University so that outcomes and innovations can be commercialised’’.
He called on industry to partner with departments and individual researchers and Innovators for the development of research outputs.
Mr Onyina, who represented the Deputy Minister in-charge of Tertiary Education said in order to bridge the gap between science and industry, entrepreneurs, businessmen, and philanthropists should be invited to the fair and be encouraged to purchase and add-value to the prototype products and commercialise them for the benefit of the wider populace.
Mr. S. K. Oppong, the SRC President, in his speech outlining the purpose of TRATECH 2010, said it is to promote the interest of students in trade and technology, educate students on the benefits of trade and Technology in helping solve societal problems. He continued by hoping that the fair would be able to whet the interest of all stakeholders to give maximum attention to technology while critically examining trade in Ghana and Africa as a whole.
Also present at the launching were the Dean of students, Dr.Owusu Daaku, and the Deputy Registrar, University Relations, Mr. Solomon Panford.
