KNUST, government partner to develop local agricultural machinery, smart traffic lights

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is collaborating with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to produce locally manufactured agricultural machinery and technologies that aim to reduce Ghana's reliance on imports. Professor Christian Agyare, KNUST's Vice-Chancellor, confirmed this partnership during a meeting with Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture and Ayawaso West Wuogon MP, John Dumelo.

Mr. Dumelo emphasized the need to shift government procurement towards locally developed solutions, stating that more contracts should be awarded to Ghanaian university innovations to reduce importation. He proposed that KNUST's engineering departments should lead the design and manufacturing of agricultural machines and tools for nationwide deployment.

Professor Agyare welcomed the initiative, stating it aligns with KNUST's vision to become a central hub for national development. He invited relevant departments to engage with Mr. Dumelo to explore areas of mutual interest in agricultural mechanization. Another discussion focused on developing smart traffic-light systems for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency.

The project, led by KNUST's DIPPER Lab in collaboration with engineering and science faculty, aims to improve traffic-light systems in the area. Mr. Dumelo expressed interest in reviving a previous KNUST student-led traffic-light initiative and suggested its potential role as a nationwide model. The Vice-Chancellor pledged KNUST's full support to execute both projects, with the DIPPER Lab taking charge of the traffic-light project's technical implementation.