The maiden Applied Research Conference of the Accra Technical University (ATU) opened in Accra with a strong call for government support to help use technology in solving Ghana’s environmental challenges.
Speaking at the conference, yesterday, Associate Professor of Wireless Communication Networks at the University of Ghana, Prof. Kofi Sarpong Adu-Manu, said the country must not continue to do things the old way in this technological era.
He explained that sensor devices, when deployed, could help monitor water quality, floods and even dam spillage, and provide early warning signals to save lives and property.
“Flooding in Ghana is not going to stop, but with the right tools in the right places, we can send early messages to communities to help them prepare. If there is going to be a spillage from a dam, the sensors can send alerts directly to people’s homes or phones, so they are well informed and can take decisions,” he said.
Prof. Adu-Manu appealed to the government to sponsor such initiatives, since the devices were expensive.
He added that academia, industry, policy makers and entrepreneurs must all work together to develop cheaper and more effective devices.
He urged young individuals to receive training in Internet of Things (IoT) technology, to enable them to create and utilize sensors for assessing air and water quality, in addition to monitoring flood levels.
“We should not only publish research, but also implement it to make an impact. Remember the Circle floods of 2015, when fire and flood together killed about 150 people. If we had these devices in place, the impact could have been reduced. This is the era of IoT and artificial intelligence, and we must embrace it,” he said.
The Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Felix Y.H. Kutsanedzie who chaired the opening, said the theme for this year, Advancing Technology and Innovation for a Sustainable Future, was timely as the world faced serious challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, food crises and waste management.
He explained that such problems required proactive solutions rooted in research and technology, not quick fixes.
He said applied research, which bridges theory and practice, was at the heart of ATU’s mandate, and the conference was meant to translate ideas into real-life solutions that support development while protecting the environment.
Prof. Acakpovi said the conference would feature research presentations, discussions, exhibitions and networking to encourage collaboration among scholars, policy makers, industry and students.
He urged the participants to be open-minded, share knowledge and challenge existing ideas.
He thanked the university management, the organising committee, sponsors, partners, speakers and all who contributed to the event, and encouraged students and young researchers to see their participation as a bold step in their academic journey.
“As we go through this conference, let us not only talk but act, and use technology and innovation to build sustainable solutions for the future,” he said.
BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG & CHELSEALINA ASANTE