KNUST partners with government to manufacture locally-made agricultural machines and smart traffic lights

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is collaborating with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to manufacture locally produced agricultural machinery and smart traffic lights, aiming to decrease Ghana's reliance on foreign imports. Vice-Chancellor Professor Christian Agyare confirmed the partnership during a meeting with Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon.

John Dumelo. Mr Dumelo emphasized the Ministry's substantial annual procurement needs and the potential for university-developed solutions to reduce imports. He highlighted the long-term goal of increasing the use of locally developed technologies in government projects, particularly in agriculture, where equipment and mechanisation pose significant challenges.

The Deputy Minister suggested that KNUST's engineering departments should spearhead the design and production of agricultural machines and tools for nationwide distribution. Professor Agyare endorsed this proposal, stating it aligns with KNUST's strategy to leverage its expertise and research for practical solutions. He invited relevant departments to collaborate with Hon. Dumelo to explore mutual interests in agricultural mechanisation.

The discussion also extended to smart traffic lights, with Hon. Dumelo proposing a second collaboration. KNUST will lead the technical implementation of this project, with the DIPPER Lab in the College of Engineering taking the helm in partnership with experts from the College of Science. The MP recalled previous student initiatives, such as developing traffic lights during his tenure at KNUST, and expressed willingness to revive this model.

He emphasized the potential for replicating the initiative across the country. The Vice-Chancellor pledged KNUST's full support and technical capacity to execute both projects.