Former Deputy Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Mohammed Musheibu-Alfa
The Former Deputy Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Mohammed Musheibu-Alfa, has launched the University of Ghana Technology Development and Transfer Center (TDTC) at a ceremony at the Centre for African Wetlands on the University of Ghana campus.
The Centre, located at the Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID), has been set up to facilitate the development and transfer of technologies with the aim of solving key problems in industry and local communities.
Hon. Dr. Musheibu- Alfa underscored the importance of such a Centre at the University of Ghana to support the efforts of industry especially at this critical stage of the country’s economy. He noted that aside funding, researchers face challenges in transferring new technologies to industry, a gap that the TDTC has been set up to bridge, adding that Science and Technology dictates the pace of development of nations and has been the stimulus for the growth of advanced economies.
Dr. Alfa hinted that innovations do not happen by accident, hence the need to put in place structured innovation programmes run by well-developed innovation centres, such as the TDTC. He urged the University of Ghana to nurture a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in students to ensure that the nation’s future leaders are appropriately equipped to move the economy of the country to greater heights.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ernest Aryeetey
Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ernest Aryeetey, Chairman for the launch, noted that partnerships between universities and the private sector all over the world have become a major strategy for developing technologies and promoting the successive use of Science and Technology to address industrial and societal problems. He said this practice is however not common in Africa, due to the scarcity of resources to undertake research with economic value and that most businesses in Africa do not devote much resources to research and development.
Prof. Ernest Aryeetey said it is the expectation that the TDTC will achieve its mandate of bridging the gap between the University of Ghana and industry through the transfer of human driven technologies developed at the University of Ghana. He expressed the hope that the University of Ghana will be identified as a major player of innovative research as it repositions itself as a world class institution.
Executive Director for COTVET, Mr. Sebastian Deh
The Executive Director for the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET), Mr. Sebastian Deh, spoke on the Ghana Skills and Technology Development Programme (GSTDP). He indicated that the project is home grown and put together by the Government of Ghana to solve the challenge of linking industry with education and training. While congratulating the University for setting up the Centre, Mr. Deh said his organisation will look forward to be part of the process and support the project.
Mrs. Sarah Anku, representative form Registrar General’s Department
Mrs. Sarah Anku of the Registrar General’s Department in a presentation on ‘Patenting your Inventions in Ghana’, said, the worth of technology to humanity cannot be discounted. She highlighted that, in specific countries, technology through innovation has shown its bearing on socio- economic development. Mrs. Anku outlined the various steps involved in the patenting of inventions both locally and internationally.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Office of Research, Innovation and Development), Prof John O. Gyapong
Earlier in the programme, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research Innovation and Development, Prof John O. Gyapong, said the inauguration of the Centre was happening at a time when the University is repositiong itself as far as research is concerned. He urged researchers and scientists in the University to work closely with the TDTC to ensure a successful technology transfer process that will benefit the whole environment.
Prof. Gyapong gave a historical background of the project. He indicated that ORID coordinated and put in the bid on behalf of the 7 different units in the University that responded to the call for proposals. He expressed excitement at the award of half a million dollars to implement the concept and urged researchers to take advantage of such opportunities when they are advertised. He further acknowledged the World Bank for providing the funding and to COTVET and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) for their various roles.
The Director of Research at ORID, Prof. Anthony Adjei gave an overview of the functions of the Centre. He outlined some ongoing projects such as the drawing up of guidelines on engagement with industry and a baseline survey to gather information on the extent of UG’s engagement with industry to identify gaps and develop appropriate measures to address them.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was later held at ORID to symbolize the official launch of the Centre.
The event was attended by the Registrar of the University, Mrs. Mercy Haizel Ashia, Head of the COTVET Project Support Unit, Mr. Matthew Dally, the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Ghana Industries, Mr. Seth Twum-Akwaboah, Representatives from the Registrar Generals Department, University officials, Faculty members and staff of the University.
