By Deborah Asantewaah SARFO
The Vice-Chancellor of Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, has encouraged universities to undertake research aimed at addressing the requirements of industries as a means to foster economic progress and national development in Ghana.
He contended that educational organizations generally generate research solely for the purpose of acquiring knowledge, stressing that in today’s world, the emphasis should be redirected towards conducting studies that tackle practical problems to ensure enduring effects.
“Some studies aim merely to gain knowledge out of curiosity. However, in today’s world, I believe that research targeted at investors shouldn’t focus solely on this current environment. Instead, we ought to carry out investigations that tackle contemporary issues. Studies that resolve these challenges can drive us toward progress and national advancement,” he emphasized.
At the sidelines of the third installment of the Technology, Business and Society Seminar Series (TEBUSS), Professor Afoakwa highlighted that this investigative method would aid in tackling the nation’s challenges and propel the country forward from one stage to the next.
He stressed that achieving industry-focused and meaningful research requires partnerships between educational institutions and those involved in the industry.
During his keynote speech with the theme
‘The Africa we want, the Africa we should claim’,
The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at Durban University of Technology, Professor Fulufhelo Netswera, praised the significant contributions of important figures across the African continent, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Colonel Gaddafi, both of whom championed the idea of African unity.
He proposed fostering robust cooperation among Africa’s educational institutions to move the continent forward alongside its people, emphasizing particularly the importance of unrestricted economic trading throughout the region.
He added that passing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is an important milestone. However, “It must be followed by action because the piece of paper means very little if there is no action thereafter”.
Narrowing it down to solving the country’s unique challenges, Prof. Afoakwa underscored the need to integrate technology in all sectors of the economy for development.
He highlighted that crucial sectors of the nation like agriculture, healthcare, and education—as well as many others—confront various difficulties. Integrating technology into these domains could aid in resolving these issues and ultimately influence the country’s development.
Even though recognizing certain advancements in these areas, he pointed out that several obstacles remain. He emphasized that addressing these issues through cutting-edge technology and innovation could reshape the country.
“There has been significant development for our nation, yet we face hurdles in sectors like education, economy, healthcare, agriculture, and more. The sole method to transform this country is by integrating technology into all aspects of what we undertake,” he stated.
He emphasized that this objective could be met by providing human resources, particularly students, with the necessary skills to utilize technology effectively—highlighting the importance of these programs and partnerships with industry experts to pinpoint current challenges and ready students for them.
Provided by GAPTEKZONE. (
).
