The Ghana Photonics and Optics Laboratory (GPOL), based in the Department of Physics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi and supported by SPIE and Optica, has marked the International Day of Light with “Light Up Ghana 3.0,” a two-day outreach programme in Tamale that introduced more than 400 students to optics, photonics and astronomy.

The programme was organised in collaboration with KNUST’s Photonics Student Chapter, the Astronomy and Space Science Society, the West African Geophysics Laboratory, and the Diagnostics and Visual Function Research Laboratory.

Held at Red Clay Studios in Tamale, the outreach brought together more than 400 junior and senior high school students from across Ghana’s Northern Region for interactive sessions on optics, photonics, astronomy, physics and related science fields. Students participated in hands-on demonstrations, science communication sessions and free eye screening exercises conducted by the Diagnostics and Visual Function Research Laboratory.

The outreach formed part of activities marking the International Day of Light, celebrated globally on May 16 each year by UNESCO. The day recognises the role of light and light-based technologies in science, medicine, communication, education, energy and sustainable development. It also commemorates the first successful operation of the laser by physicist Theodore Maiman in 1960.

This year’s celebration focused on advancing innovation through light-based science and technology while encouraging young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Reflecting on the outreach, the project’s Principal Investigator, Dr. Akyana Britwum, said the initiative aligned with broader efforts to position Ghana within the global knowledge economy and expand opportunities in science education for young people.

“Light-based technologies sit at the heart of every modern economy, from healthcare diagnostics to telecommunications to clean energy. If Ghana is to be a producer of these technologies, not only a consumer, we must begin investing in the curiosity of our young people now. Initiatives like Light Up Ghana are how we build that future: by showing students early that optics, photonics, and astronomy are fields they can lead in, here in Ghana and from Ghana out to the world,” he said.

Dr. Michael Edem Donkor, Co-Principal Investigator of the project, said the outreach aimed not only to celebrate the International Day of Light with students but also to introduce them to academic and career opportunities in light-based sciences. He encouraged students to consider fields such as optics, photonics, astronomy, space science and geophysics for tertiary education.

Prof. Francis Kofi Ampong, Head of the Department of Physics at KNUST, said scientists and educators had a responsibility to inspire and train the next generation of innovators and researchers. He noted that science was often perceived as abstract and difficult, making it important for educators to simplify scientific concepts to improve understanding and appreciation among students. He expressed optimism that the outreach would encourage more students to pursue science-related programmes at the tertiary level.

Professor Isaac Nkrumah highlighted the role of physics in everyday life and its applications in medicine and technology. He said physics underpins technologies such as X-rays, MRI scans, ultrasound systems, radiation therapy, laser surgery and optical imaging systems used in healthcare globally.

One of the participants, Kadim Nadara of the Northern School of Business, described the outreach as educational and inspiring.

“The outreach has made me understand many things that happen around me. This programme is very educational. It taught me things I did not know, and I feel lucky to be part of it. I have now developed an interest in studying physics, and I hope to come to KNUST one day to learn more,” he said.

The programme also featured mentorship opportunities designed to help students appreciate how light-based technologies can be applied to solve real-world problems.

Organisers expressed appreciation to SPIE, Optica, Red Clay Studios, the Department of Physics at KNUST, the KNUST Photonics Student Chapter, the KNUST Astronomy and Space Science Society, the West African Geophysics Laboratory and the Diagnostics and Visual Function Research Laboratory for supporting the initiative to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators in Ghana.