Could a low-cost autonomous vehicle help tackle the problem of plastic waste in urban waterways?

Across many parts of the developing world, overstretched waste management systems mean that plastics frequently end up in drains, rivers, and lagoons. Over time, these materials pollute ecosystems, threaten marine life, and disrupt the livelihoods of communities that depend on these water bodies.

At Ashesi University, the Aquabot research project, being undertaken by Dr. Stephen K. Armah, Joseph Kwabena Fosu Okyere, Gabriel M. Owusu and Peter Lawerh Kwao is exploring how technology might offer a response.  The initiative focuses on designing and developing a low-cost Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) capable of detecting and collecting floating plastic waste from water bodies.

The vehicle is powered by a compact computer, the Raspberry Pi 4, which serves as the system’s central processing unit. Chosen for its processing capacity and ability to run lightweight object-detection models; the device also supports connections to several external components required for the system operation. In effect, it coordinates communication between the sensors and other hardware installed on the vehicle. These components include a camera, a Global Positioning System (GPS), and ultrasonic sensors that help the vehicle observe the water surface, identify plastic waste, detect obstacles, and navigate safely.

Before constructing the prototype, a simulation exercise was conducted to test the design. The results showed that the vehicle displaced only a small volume of water, suggesting it would remain buoyant and stable during operation. The simulations also indicated that the combined weight of the vehicle and its electronic components would not compromise the system’s structural integrity.

Guided by these findings, a prototype was built using a catamaran frame- a configuration with two parallel hulls that improves stability on water. The hulls, which form the vehicle’s main structure, were designed to balance weight, buoyancy, and acceleration. After being smoothed and epoxy-coated to protect the wood, they were joined using an aluminum frame. A conveyor belt system was then installed between the hulls to collect floating waste. Four ultrasonic sensors were also added. Three help the vehicle detect obstacles and avoid collisions, while the fourth monitors plastic waste levels in the collection container, using green and red LEDs to indicate whether the container is within capacity or full.

Power for the system was supplied through two sources. A 10 Ah power bank powered the Raspberry Pi, while lithium-ion batteries run the remaining components. The Raspberry Pi also operated a computer vision model that analyzed live camera feeds to detect floating plastic and guided the vehicle toward it for collection. A web-based controller interface was created, enabling users to remotely control the ASV, access live camera feeds, and track sensor readings. The interface supports two modes of operation: a manual mode that allows users to steer the vehicle directly, and an autonomous mode that uses computer vision and control algorithms to locate and collect plastic waste independently.

Subsequent tests of the prototype, conducted in a swimming pool and the Korle Lagoon, revealed that connectivity issues occasionally disrupted remote control, and the vehicle did not always accurately identify waste. As a result, the vehicle sometimes remained idle during operation. To address this, a roaming feature was introduced. It allowed the vehicle to move randomly across the water surface if no plastic waste was detected and no user input was received after 5 minutes. Once plastic is detected, the system automatically switches back to autonomous mode and begins collecting the waste.

Overall, the project demonstrated that a low-cost ASV can collect plastic waste from water bodies. However, recommendations for further improvements were made. These include incorporating waypoint navigation so users can define specific routes for the vehicle, as well as adding pH and gas sensors to monitor water quality and provide insights into water pollution levels.

By prioritizing affordability and adaptability, the project points toward more scalable technological solutions for tackling plastic pollution in water bodies.

Read the full research paper

Virgin Music, Ashesi University Launch Internship Program to Grow African Music Business Talent

When Barbara Debre ‘16 graduated from Ashesi, she carried the Ashesi community with her. Today, as Operations Manager at Virgin Music Nigeria and the company’s Ghana lead, she is helping open doors into the music industry for students who came after her.

Through the strength of her work and her engagement with the Career Services team, Virgin Music Nigeria has made its New Gen Internship Program available to Ashesi students. The 12-week placement gives students direct exposure to how the music business operates, from strategy and distribution to artist development and commercial partnerships.

The first two interns to take up the opportunity are Kekeli Biga, an Economics major, and Maureen Allandi, a Mechanical Engineering major. Their placements highlight how Ashesi’s multidisciplinary curriculum equips students with valuable skills for any industry, including one as fast-paced as music.

The program begins with six weeks of departmental rotation, during which interns gain a working understanding of the organization’s functions. The second six-week shift shifts to specialization, where interns contribute to targeted projects in a chosen department alongside industry professionals.

“The African music industry is evolving quickly to become one of the continent’s most significant cultural and economic exports,” said Kay Ikazoboh, Managing Director of Virgin Music Nigeria. “As the industry expands, it is important to intentionally invest in developing young talent who will help drive it forward. The goal is to give them real exposure to how the music business operates while building a talent pipeline for the sustained growth of Africa’s music economy.

For Najeeb Ibrahim, Assistant Director for Career Services, the internship reflects a broader shift in how students are thinking about their careers. “Africa’s creative and digital industries are growing, and our students are growing with them,” he said. “This opportunity gives them a chance to explore new professional terrain, build their networks, and see firsthand how a global music company operates on the continent.”

Building a Smarter Household Biogas System for Reliable Energy Production

What really happens inside a biogas digester, and how can operators detect problems before gas production drops? 

In recent years, small household biogas systems have become more popular across Africa, with more people investing in and using them. These systems convert everyday waste, such as food scraps and animal manure, into clean energy for cooking while helping households manage waste more effectively. Despite this, many biogas plants struggle to perform well throughout their intended lifespans. One common problem is when the conditions inside the system become unstable—something known as a “digester upset.” When this happens, the tiny organisms that produce methane gas are affected. Because these microbes are very sensitive, even small changes can reduce gas production or stop it altogether. 

To address this challenge, researchers from Ashesi University, Heather R. Beem, Francis Aweenagua, Francis A. Gatsi, Jeremiah Takyi, and Myron N. V. Williams from Clark Atlanta University developed a relatively low-cost smart biogas digester. The system uses Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to continuously monitor conditions inside the digester. By providing real-time insights, operators can detect early signs of upset digestion and take action before performance declines. 

Earlier studies to monitor biogas systems focused mainly on how much gas was produced, or used just one sensor to check things like temperature and acidity. This assumed that everything inside the system was the same throughout. In reality, that is rarely the case. The smart biogas digester addresses this gap by capturing data from multiple locations, providing a clearer picture of the biological and chemical processes occurring within. 

The system has two main parts: a monitoring device and a web-based application platform. The monitoring device links the digester and uses sensors to collect environmental data. The web application stores this data on a cloud server and provides a customized interface to allow users to view and manage system information. 

The digester is built from an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tank and has three outlets to make it easier to use and maintain. The bottom outlet is for removing sludge that builds up over time, the side outlet allows users to discharge liquid slurry daily, and the top outlet collects the biogas produced during digestion. The side outlet also helps keep the slurry at the right level so that the leftover material, known as digestate, doesn’t touch the infrared temperature sensor inside the digestor. The tank’s exterior is painted black to reduce light penetration and prevent algae from growing. 

The web application is a means for users to interact with the smart digester system. After creating a secure account, users can connect to their digester using a unique Device ID, giving them protected access to their system data. A visual dashboard shows both real-time and past performance, making it easy to track changes and make informed decisions. Users can also record when and how much waste they add to the digester and download both sensor and feeding records for further analysis.

A Double Win for Ashesi at CFA Research Challenge Ghana

Two Ashesi student teams, Sigma Capital Partners and Alpha Capital Partners, have placed first and second, respectively, at the 2026 CFA Institute Research Challenge (Ghana). The competition required participating teams to conduct a comprehensive valuation of the MTN Group. 

Sigma Capital Partners, comprising Moro Sulleyman ’26, Gift Quaye ’26, Tadiwanashe Chamisa ’27, Francis Acquah ’27, and Raymond Appiah ’27, began their work with in-depth company and industry analysis. They examined MTN’s revenue streams, competitive forces, macroeconomic risks, and long-term growth prospects. 

Their analysis revealed that while MTN’s traditional voice revenue has been declining, its FinTech segment has experienced notable growth. However, the team found insufficient evidence to conclude that FinTech growth would fully offset the near-term decline in voice revenue. They also assessed industry competition and identified potential disruption from new telecommunications entrants such as Starlink, particularly in internet data provision, one of MTN’s major revenue drivers. 

Using valuation methodologies including Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), which projects future cash flows and adjusts them to present value, and Comparable Company Analysis, which benchmarks a firm against similar telecommunications companies across Africa, Sigma Capital recommended a “Hold.” This meant existing shareholders were advised not to sell their shares immediately, as the team anticipated modest share price appreciation. 

“Different teams can arrive at different valuations, but what sets you apart is how clearly and confidently you can defend your assumptions,” said Moro Sulleyman ’26, Team Lead. 

Ashesi Team Earns Top Honors in International Supply Chain Contest

A team of four Ashesi University students competed in the Global Sustainability Supply Chain Student Competition, placing first in the Africa–Middle East region and earning bronze overall. The team, Reseau Est, comprised Cartier Scholars Sandrine Uwase’27 and Prosperine Hollande Nduwayo’27, alongside Mastercard Foundation Scholars Eunice Sayubu’26 and Divine La Grace Igirubuntu’26.

Focusing on Ethiopia, the team began by examining the everyday realities of rural farmers, including high post-harvest losses and unreliable links to urban markets. These insights informed their response, E-Network. This is a three-tier, interconnected solution comprising EN Hub, EN Digital, and EN Transport, designed to move produce more efficiently from farm to market.

The EN Hub centers on community-based storage facilities where farmers can store produce for a small fee, reducing post-harvest losses. These storage facilities would be operated by young people within the community, creating local employment opportunities. Building on this foundation, EN Digital connects farmers and buyers through a mobile platform supported by short codes accessible on basic phones. Farmers can list available produce, while buyers browse listings and plan purchases. For those without smartphones or digital literacy, trained agents stationed at the storage hubs provide on ground support.

Completing the system, EN Transport consolidates stored produce at the hubs and moves it to urban markets in full truckloads at lower cost. By reducing per-unit transport expenses, the model addresses the logistical inefficiencies that often prevent smallholder farmers from accessing larger and more profitable markets

“This competition has made us realize how crucial supply change is to society’s progress,”  Sandrine Uwase’27 shared. “There are challenges around us that we don’t notice until we start connecting the dots.”

“The team moved beyond isolated fixes to design a truly integrated system,” faculty advisor Sihaam Mohammed Sayuti said. “Grounded in African realities, their proposed solution demonstrated contextual awareness and a strong grasp of interconnected development challenges.”

Africa Today Journal Finds New Institutional Home at Ashesi

We are pleased to announce that Africa Today, a scholarly journal previously published by Indiana University Press and edited in the African Studies Program at Indiana University, Bloomington, has moved to Ashesi University. The acquisition forms part of Ashesi’s broader efforts to strengthen its research environment as it works toward achieving the R2 University designation.

While it will continue to be published by Indiana University Press, Africa Today will now be housed within the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Department at Ashesi, increasing the University’s engagement in scholarly research and interdisciplinary dialogue.

Africa Today publishes peer-reviewed scholarly articles, book reviews, and short features on topics related to contemporary Africa and its diasporas. The journal welcomes submissions of individual manuscripts for open issues and for special issues focused on topical themes.

We approach this transition with a deep sense of stewardship,” Dr. Wahab, Head of the HSS Department, shared. “Sustaining that tradition of rigorous scholarship remains central, while creating greater opportunities for our faculty and other scholars, particularly those based on the continent, to engage more directly in research and academic publishing,” he added.

Ashesi Debate Society Secures First Place in Maiden Inter University Championship

The Ashesi Speech and Debate Society, placed first at the maiden edition of the Inter-University Debate Championship hosted by the Lancaster University Ghana Student Council.

It was represented by Daniel Oppong-Amponsah ’27, Kwabena Amoako-Prempeh ’28, David Amartey ’28, and Isaac Kwabena Bekoe ’29 with Albert Agyepong, a  Lecturer with the Law Department as Team Advisor. Oppong-Amponsah was also adjudged Best Speaker of the competition.

Held at the British Council, the championship convened 4 universities, including Knutsford University and Academic City University. In the first round, Ashesi debated Academic City University on the motion, “Religious leaders should not partake in partisan politics.” Arguing in support of the motion, the team highlighted the risks of coercing religious followers, the potential erosion of religious credibility of such leaders, and internal divisions that could emerge within faith communities when their leaders engage in partisan politics. These arguments and more earned Ashesi 247 points, securing the University a place in the finals.

Ashesi argued against the motion, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) will destroy more opportunities than it will create in the near future,” competing against Lancaster University Ghana in the final round. The team maintained that AI has the capacity to create new jobs, expand access to skills development, reduce social inequality, and boost productivity and efficiency for small businesses. These, the team stated, would ultimately create a ripple effect of benefits across society.

“Apart from improving our ability to work as a team, this competition helped us improve our ability to think on our feet while being able to quickly adjust our arguments based on those of the opponent,” shared Oppong-Amponsah  on behalf of the team.

On the team’s performance, Agyepong said “This win, for me, speaks to the hard work and tenacity of the members of the Speech and Debate club. Reviving the club and rebuilding it to a level where we could achieve this is remarkable.”

Rayane Kameni’s Exchange Experience at Ashesi

When Rayane Kameni, a final-year Mechanical Engineering student from CESI (École d’Ingénieurs), arrived at Ashesi as an exchange student, he joined a research team working to address unpredictable rainfall and limited irrigation that threaten food security and farmers’ incomes in Ghana.

Working alongside two Ashesi research interns, Kameni contributed to a project titled “Synthesis and Characterization of Biodegradable Cassava-Based Hydrogels for Water Management in Irrigation.” In many parts of Ghana, inconsistent rainfall and limited access to water affect crop yields. To tackle this challenge, the team used cassava, a widely cultivated and affordable crop, to develop biodegradable hydrogels. Cassava’s high starch content allows it to form a network structure that absorbs and retains water, making it an effective base material for the research. To produce the hydrogels, cassava was peeled, blended into pulp, and processed to extract and dry starch. The team tested different starch concentrations to evaluate how effectively each formulation absorbed and slowly released water. By analyzing absorption rates and release patterns, they assessed the material’s potential to support plant growth during dry periods.

A major part of Kameni’s contribution involved improving the efficiency and consistency of the hydrogel production process. He converted a 3D printer into a bioprinter capable of delivering starch solution into a salt solution with greater precision than manual methods.

The adaptation presented technical challenges. The printer’s motor initially operated too slowly, and the syringe setup was unstable, causing delays between motor movement and starch flow. Kameni redesigned key components of the system, reducing the distance between the motor and syringe to improve responsiveness and structural stability. The strengthened setup securely held larger syringes, enabling the team to dispense greater volumes of starch solution more efficiently and accurately.

For Kameni, the exchange program was a meaningful learning experience that strengthened his professional skills. He explained that working on the bioprinter improved his programming skills, particularly in geometric code (G-code), and expanded his understanding of how automation can support sustainable engineering solutions.

“Kameni’s participation as an exchange student added a valuable perspective to the research team,” Dr. Elena Rosca, Head of the Engineering Department and Senior Lecturer, shared. “It allowed him to strengthen core engineering skills through consistent practice while contributing meaningfully to the project’s progress.”

Ashesi Facilities Management Team Named IFMA Ghana’s Team of the Year

On December 6, Ashesi University’s Facilities Management Team was named Team of the Year by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Ghana Chapter. The award is in recognition of their innovative approaches to facilities management and the implementation of efficient systems at the University. 

Over the years, the team has played a critical role in maintaining the University’s infrastructure, ensuring that the campus remains conducive for teaching and learning while meeting high standards of safety and operational efficiency. Apart from day-to-day maintenance, the team implements systems and practices that prioritize preventive maintenance and environmental responsibility on the campus.

“We approach our role as stewards of the campus being careful with resources and mindful of the future,” shared Dzifa Nuer, Assistant Director for Facilities Management.  “We see this award not as a finish line, but as encouragement to keep serving the Ashesi community with diligence and purpose.”

As Ashesi continues to expand its academic programs and campus infrastructure, the role of the Facilities and Management Team becomes even more critical, ensuring that our growth is sustainable and well-supported.

Ashesi Strengthens Industry Partnerships at the 2025 Employers Forum

The 2025 Ashesi University Employers Forum, held on November 14 in Accra, brought together industry leaders from technology, banking, media consultancy, and other sectors to foster collaboration and partnership between industry and the University. It highlighted the need for academia and employers to collaborate in preparing graduates for the workplace.

In the lead-up to the day’s main activities, participants were treated to poster sessions led by representatives of the various programs and centers, helping them acquaint themselves with Ashesi’s activities. Selected student projects spanning the creative arts and real estate industries were also showcased.

Welcoming participants, Director of Career Services Abigail Welbeck, noted that the forum signaled the University’s renewed commitment to working hand in hand with industry to ensure its students are prepared to lead with competence while highlighting Ashesi’s dual intake system:

“Students are now available to take up internships and project collaborations and any other experiential learning opportunities throughout the year, and not just during the traditional summer period. So, for employers, this creates an all-year-round access to Ashesi talent,” she explained.

“One perspective on the purpose of education is to unlock the potential and the capabilities and the capacity that already exists in every human being, every young person, to impact and transform the world around them to solve problems. It’s impossible to do this effectively without close collaboration with the organizations that are doing the work of impacting and transforming the world, said the Head of Computer Science and Information Systems, Dr. Ayorkor Korsah, while delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Provost.

“And so, it’s natural that as often as possible, we should get together with employers; the individuals and organizations through whom our graduates are going to have the opportunity to really make an impact in the world.”

Internship Stories: Nhyira Essel’s Journey at Dotse@Law

Nhyira Esaaba Essel ’26, a Business Administration major, had initially hoped to study law, and her summer internship became a way to still pursue that interest while exploring how the two fields could intersect. 

Landing an internship at a law firm, Dotse@Law, however, took just a leap of faith. Despite the firm not advertising for interns, Essel decided to apply after frequently passing by its offices and noting its presence. “For the three months of summer, I told myself that I was still going to explore the law to see whether I would actually want to do it after school,” she said. 

Essel’s time at the firm offered a fresh perspective on her future path. She gained hands-on exposure to both legal and administrative work supporting lawyers in court. She drafted reports and engaged in legal research while also applying her knowledge in business administration to tasks like managing financial records and balancing invoices. These experiences revealed how much her business background could complement a future career in Law.

Essel learned the value of detail-oriented work and how critical clear communication is in both business and law. She also discovered that her training in business administration gave her an advantage when handling contracts and financial matters, offering a perspective that many purely legal minds might overlook. “I realized that law is not isolated; it connects with every field, and business is one of the strongest areas where that connection shows,” she shared. 

Meeting Patricia Appiah-Mensah, Esq., a senior colleague at the firm, became one of the highlights of the internship. Watching Patricia balance her legal practice with sharp business insight showed Essel that it’s possible to build a career that blends both fields seamlessly. “Having another background and adding law to it makes you a more specialized person,” Essel said. “So I think the business administration program I am currently reading is a step in the right direction.” 

 

Internship Stories: Athanase Abayo ’27’s Experience at Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation

Athanase Abayo ’27, a Computer Science major, began his summer internship at the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and Innovation in Rwanda, expecting to learn quietly in the background, contributing where he could and observing how projects were run. Instead, he found himself entrusted with responsibilities that tested his confidence and revealed his capacity to lead. 

One day, his supervisor was suddenly called away during a meeting, and Abayo was asked to step in. The assignment involved guiding a team through the choice of a database system for the development of a website, a decision with long-term implications. “The team had a lengthy debate on whether to use a database at all,” Abayo said. “I guided them through this phase, listening as they shared ideas, and finally, I proposed the most suitable database for the task at hand.” 

This moment changed how he saw himself in the workplace. He realized that professional environments don’t necessarily limit leadership to senior staff. “Being in a very big organization like that helped me to realize that even though I am still a student, it doesn’t limit my capacity to contribute to big projects,” he said.

This internship challenged Abayo to develop technical and professional competencies that extended his learning outside the classroom. He became deeply involved with a project known as the Smart Ibiruhuko program, which provides digital literacy training to high school students during holidays. Abayo’s contribution centered on data cleaning and building dashboards to track student enrollment and completion. “At first, I didn’t know how to use Python for data cleaning, but through practice and guidance, I eventually became comfortable with it and could apply it effectively,” he admitted

Learning to communicate effectively with stakeholders turned out to be equally important as delivering on the project. “This was my first time having to engage with high-level stakeholders, and I must say I learnt a lot,” he explained.  

 “The fast-paced environment, where decisions often had to be made quickly, sharpened my sense of responsibility and adaptability,” he shared. 

The internship also widened Abayo’s career perspective. While his long-term interest is in cybersecurity, the experience opened his eyes to the potential of data analysis. “During my internship, I was happy to see how small, small codes can change a lot of things,” Abayo said. “It helped me to understand that even if I can’t do cyber security, data analysis is one of the most promising areas that I can look at.” 

Abayo’s time at the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and Innovation in Rwanda taught him that his voice has value in any room. He also learned that leadership isn’t defined by age or title, but by the willingness to step up when it matters most. 

If given the chance to do things differently, he says he would not limit himself to just one project, and he would be less hesitant to offer input even on high-level documents. “I shouldn’t have considered the fact that since I’m a student, I’m not supposed to join or provide some feedback on the higher-level programs,” he admitted.