The Department of Geography and Resource Development at the University of Ghana marked the 2023 Geographic Information System Day (GIS Day) under the theme "Creating Career Pathways and Nurturing Geospatial Scientists." The event aimed to educate students about the career opportunities associated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and how GIS contributes to the development of geospatial scientists.
Prof. Charlotte Wrigley-Asante, the Head of the Department of Geography and Resource Development, welcomed attendees, expressing her delight in hosting the GIS Day celebration. She highlighted the importance of integrating computer hardware and software as well as various geographical spatial data, highlighting the department's core programs and their impact on both past and current students.
Prof. Charlotte Wrigley-Asante, Head of the Department of Geography and Resource Development
Prof. Wrigley-Asante acknowledged the challenges posed by the increasing number of students opting for GIS elective courses and appealed for support in establishing a Geospatial Technology Centre, initiated by alumni, to enhance laboratory facilities.
Prof. Mavis Darko-Gyeke, Dean of the School of Social Sciences and the event's Chairperson, reflected on the transformative power of GIS technology in shaping our perception of the world. She expressed gratitude for the contributions of dedicated individuals to the field of GIS and emphasised the event's significance in commemorating technological development and GIS achievements. Prof. Darko-Gyeke thanked partners and sponsors for their support.
Prof. Mavis Darko-Gyeke, Dean of the School of Social Sciences
Provost of the College of Humanities, Prof. Dan Ofori, in remarks delivered at the event to mark the day, stressed the importance of the University's collaboration with public institutions and the private sector to deploy modern technology successfully. He highlighted the need to expand the GIS laboratory and commended the Department for creating digital awareness about the crucial role geospatial information plays in the national socio-economic environment.
Representatives of key sponsors of the GIS Day celebration, including EAP Engineering Consulting, Sambus Geospatial, and the Lands Commission, extended appreciation to the University for the partnership. They encouraged students to take GIS courses seriously and prepare themselves adequately for the job market since there are many associated opportunities for persons with GIS skills.
During his keynote address at the 2023 GIS Day celebration, Prof. Paul N. Buatsi, Chief Executive Officer of Omega Strategic Resources Limited, conveyed a strong belief that the engagement between students and the department through the organised GIS Day would pave the way for innovative solutions to be implemented, creating career paths and nurturing future geospatial scientists.
Prof. Buatsi emphasised the importance of collaboration among various entities involved in deploying GIS. He expressed hope that concerted efforts would lead to an increase in both the number of students pursuing GIS education and the availability of qualified resource persons in the field. Looking ahead, he outlined the necessity to establish dedicated GIS facilities, promote the use of GIS as a decision-making tool and encourage greater collaboration among stakeholders.
Prof. Buatsi further underscored the vital role of coordinated efforts and strategic initiatives in promoting GIS education and its application in real-world scenarios.
A cross-section of students at the GIS Day celebration
For her part, Prof. Mavis Darko-Gyeke, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, in her closing remarks as Chairperson, congratulated students who participated in a quiz competition staged as part of the day's celebrations. While encouraging prospective students to view their achievements as inspiration, she commended the department and Prof. Barima Owusu for the outstanding project work.
The event featured awards for quizzes, treasure hunts and problem-solving projects, with winners receiving cash prizes and certificates. An open forum allowed students to ask questions and submit suggestions regarding GIS in Ghana.
Present at the event were faculty members and students from the Department of Geography and Resource Development, along with students from Holy Trinity Cathedral Senior High School, Accra and Boso Senior High Technical School in the Eastern Region.
