Undergraduate students from a range of Ghanaian higher education institutions—Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology; University of Ghana; University of Professional Studies, Accra; and Takoradi Technical University—gathered on Ashesi’s campus on Monday, October 7, to showcase how their research could facilitate informed decision-making in Africa. The conference was sponsored by Ashesi’s Adei Research Studio and the Office of the Provost.
Under the theme “Envisioning the Future Cities of Africa,” participating students shared research across disciplines, exploring innovative, sustainable, and ethical practices to help shape a promising future for the continent. During the conference’s opening, Ashesi Provost Angela Owusu-Ansah asked the question: “What is the main purpose of universities?” Anna Afriyie ‘24 offered an answer: “When we have a problem, universities are supposed to help us solve it.”
From posters to oral presentations, a number of conference participants focused on topics related to urgent environmental and public health challenges. Current mechatronic engineering graduate students, Baron Afutu ‘25 and Joshua Nti ‘25 shared their research project titled “Urban Air Pollution in Accra.” Completed as part of the Environmental Politics and Science course, their project highlighted the need to attend to the harmful impacts of vehicular emissions and improper vehicle part disposal in Accra.
Other presentations included a proposal for using pineapple fibers as an eco-friendly alternative for sanitary pad production, and an investigation of water use in Amansie Central District and the decisions residents make to access a limited supply of safe water. Presenters also showcased innovations in the manufacturing sector, including the creation of a machine designed to convert plastic bottles into filament for 3D printing.
Dr. Elena Rosca, head of Ashesi’s Engineering Department, encouraged attendees to publish their research, sharing the example of student-led publication the Ashesi SEED Journal as one medium for doing so. Members of Ashesi’s faculty also guided oral presentations, offering feedback and facilitating Q&A sessions.
The panels of facilitators included Dr. Adjepon-Yamoah, a Computer Science lecturer; Dr. Maame Adwoa Opoku-Agyemang, senior lecturer and head of Ashesi’s Writing Center; Dr. Stephen Armah, Engineering lecturer; Dr. Elena Rosca; and Engineering lecturer Mr. Kofi Adu Labi. Several participants cited these open discussions as the highlight of their experience at the conference, as they felt encouraged by the level of thoughtful engagement they received.
