The Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences (ITDS) under the School of Sciences at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) last Friday, July 26, 2024, successfully hosted its 3rd Annual Tech Fair, themed “The Future is Now: Integrating Digitalization in Ghana’s Developmental Agenda.” The event brought together academia, industry, and government to discuss the role of technology in driving the Ghana digital agenda.
The convener and Head of the Department of Information Technology and Decisions Sciences (ITDS), Dr. Peter Appiahene made known the department’s plans to expand beyond the classroom and the university community to becoming a globally accepted technology hub.
Dr. Peter Appiahene
Speaking during the 3rd UENR Tech Fair, Dr. Appiahene said the plans include developing students’ capacity to solve most of the world’s complex technological problems through more comprehensive digital literacy programs, advanced research projects in emerging technologies, and collaborations with international tech organizations.
He noted that the department has already begun contributing back to the broader community by developing mobile applications and other tech solutions that have been used in the agricultural and health sectors.
Inset: From left, Prof. Samual Fosu Gyasi(Dean of School of Sciences, Middle, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako (Vice-Chancellor) and Hon. Justina Owusu-Banahene (Bono Regional Minister)
In her keynote address, Bono Regional Minister Hon. Justina Awo Owusu-Banahene underscored the transformative power of digitalization, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize various sectors of society. She called for strategic investments in technology to unlock its full potential. She commended the University for the organization of the Tech fair programme as it opens up a platform to receive ideas that advance society and is good for the ecosystem.
Inset : Hon. Samuel Nartey George(in the middle)
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, MP for Ningo-Prampram constituency, echoed the minister’s sentiments, highlighting the imperative of digitalization in today’s world emphasizing that digitalization is not an option but a necessity. He unveiled the successful implementation of digitalization into the health sector and the history of the gradual progress of IT in research and learning. He stressed the need for widespread digital literacy and integration of technology into developmental projects saying it must be integrated into developmental projects and academia and all citizens should be equipped with the skills to utilize all the advancements of digitalization. He ended by saying that for digitalization to reach its maximum height, it requires our collective effort which would enable us to unlock the full potential of a digitalized Ghana.
Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful
The Minister of Communication and Digitalization, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, aligned the government’s digital agenda with the Tech Fair’s theme. She outlined the government’s commitment to digital inclusion and infrastructure development, citing the e-transform project as a prime example of its efforts. The Minister emphasized the importance of data access, data transfer, and digital literacy, particularly among the youth. She admonished the university to prioritize education and skill development among the youth for economic participation. Hon. Ursula then urged the university to prioritize empowering young women through the path of ICT, providing them with digital skills. Concluding her speech, she encouraged the use of technology for peaceful purposes and not to circulate distractive agendas.
Dr. Kwabena Adu receiving the award for the Best Lecturer in the Department
Professor Samuel Fosu Gyasi, Dean, School of Sciences, led the Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences (ITDS) to recognize outstanding staff and students at the event.
Ms. Ernestina Kissiwaa(Best Teaching Assistant)
Several awards were presented, including best teaching assistant, best lecturer, most hardworking departmental officer, most hardworking ITS Executive, the organizing committee for the 3rd edition UENR Tech Fair, and the winners of the hackathon challenge who won prizes of cash and a brand-new laptop.
Most hardworking ITS Executive-Mr. Bernard Owusu
Dr. Peter Appiahene, the Head of Department made a presentation of awards to the best students in each level based on their GPA.
Notably, four out of six students who achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA were females, highlighting the priority of the department in pushing females in the world of IT.
Mr. Emmanuel Domfe(Most hardworking Departmental Officer)
Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice-Chancellor of UENR, commended the ITDS for organizing the Tech Fair and encouraged other departments to follow suit. The event concluded with a call for collective efforts to harness the power of digitalization for Ghana’s development.
The Tech Fair served as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and showcasing innovative technological solutions. It underscored the university’s role in nurturing digital talent and driving Ghana’s digital transformation.
Attendees of the 3rd UENR Tech Fair
The 2024 edition of the UENR Tech Fair included a policy dialogue and a poster presentation by students which offered them the opportunity to exhibit their innovative projects and demonstrate their creativity and problem-solving skills.
