The Technology Consultancy Centre (TCC) of KNUST in conjunction with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States has hosted the 2011 Opening Ceremony of the International Development Design Summit (IDDS) at the College of Engineering Auditorium. The theme for this year's summit was: "Integrated Innovation".
In his opening speech, Professor Mohammed Salifu, the Head of Civil Engineering reiterated the significance of innovation and technology in Africa, and the world as a whole. He indicated KNUST's readiness to drive the development of technology in the country to a higher level.
Professor Salifu commended the executive of IDDS for choosing KNUST to launch its 5th Summit, and Ghana in particular for the second time. He was confident that the participants would be invigorated at the end of the five-week summit, and would be equipped to facilitate the activities of entrepreneurship and industrial development.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor W.O. Ellis, was full of praise to the leadership of IDDS for its remarkable achievements over the years. He praised them for their efforts in addressing some areas of the industrial problems confronting the globe, and developing countries in particular.
Professor Ellis acknowledged the IDDS' initiative to collaborate and develop the operations of Ghanaian local industrial establishments, such as the Suame Magazine in Kumasi.
A representative from the TCC, Mr. John Quansah, in a statement, stressed the need for creative designers and inventors to contribute immensely towards the trend in technology worldwide. He, therefore, encouraged the delegates to seize the opportunity and bring their expertise to bear for the benefit of the Ghanaian industry, and beyond.
The Founder and President of IDDS, Mrs. Amy Smith, gave a brief history of IDDS, and was emphatic about the focus of IDDS which she said was: "Purely prototypes and not papers; developing technologies and technologists". She maintained that the Summit was aimed at shaping entrepreneurial ventures and integrating innovation in the industry. She unveiled the motto of IDDS in a Ghanaian dialect (Twi) as: "Boa me na me mmoa wo" which literally means "help me and I will help you".
Mrs. Smith gave the assurance that the IDDS would reach out and support the various industries around the globe, particularly in the area of technology and production. She was hopeful that the IDDS as part of its objective would build more research and development avenues to alleviate poverty in deprived communities in Ghana.
This year's summit attracted participants in the fields of Teaching, Health, Information and Communication Technology, Agriculture, and many more from 17 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Central America, and South America. The project for 2011 Summit in Ghana would last for a five-week intensive period.
