The KNUST Staff Appreciation Day on December 12, 2023, was a celebration of Staff for long meritorious service, creativity and innovation within the University. Four Staff members —Dr. Emmanuel Ahene, Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Badu, Prof Tamakloe and team, and Mr James Lutuga—were honoured for their remarkable contributions across various domains.
Dr. Emmanuel Ahene:
His innovative approach to capacity building of IT professionals, especially in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, has significantly impacted KNUST and the nation. His international collaborations across academia and industry and media engagement agenda have yielded grant funding for students and facilitated a student-based tech startup, significantly contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) encompassing quality education, gender equality, decent job creation (SDG8), and the pursuit of Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDGs 4, 5, 8, and 16).
Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Badu:
Dr. Badu's passion for Natural Product Chemistry has yielded impactful outcomes, not confined to academia but extending into impoverished local communities. Her innovative research, teaching, and community outreach approaches are pivotal in achieving SDGs addressing poverty eradication, enhanced food security, job creation, and climate change mitigation (SDGs 1, 2, 8, and 13).
Prof. Tamakloe and Team:
The innovative prowess of Prof. Tamakloe and his team (Dr. Akyana Britwum and Dr. Michael Donkor) in Physics and Electronics has borne fruit in groundbreaking inventions: Solar-powered Traffic Light Systems, Digital Examination Timers, Junior Science and Mathematics Quiz Buzzers, and Time-based Pressing Iron Sockets for homes. These inventions have left an indelible mark on KNUST and Ghana, aligning with SDG 16—Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Mr. James Lutuga:
Celebrated for his creativity and innovation in carpentry, Mr. Lutuga's designs encompass laboratory tools (Physics), Conference Tables, workstations, elevator prototypes, and computer tables. His inventive spirit contributes to SDG 11—Sustainable Cities and Communities.
The recognition bestowed upon these individuals symbolizes the College of Science's commitment to fostering innovation and creativity that enriches academic spheres and resonates with the broader societal impact in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. Their dedication inspires, propelling the College towards a future where innovation catalyses positive change.
