Professor Humphrey Danso of the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development has called on postgraduate students to prioritize applied research as a catalyst for Ghana’s development, emphasizing the urgent need to transform the country’s abundant natural resources into finished products.
Delivering the keynote address at the 2nd Postgraduate Research Conference at Cape Coast Technical University, Professor Danso challenged students and researchers to shift focus from theoretical work to practical, solution-driven research that directly addresses national needs.
The conference, held under the theme “Impact of Applied Research on National Development,” brought together academics, researchers, and students to explore how research can contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s socio-economic growth.
In his address, Professor Danso expressed concern over Ghana’s continued reliance on imports despite its vast natural resource base. He noted that the country exports raw materials but imports finished goods at a higher cost, a cycle he described as unsustainable.
“Ghana is blessed with abundant natural resources, yet we are not adding value to them. Instead, we keep importing, importing, importing. This must change,” he stressed.
He urged postgraduate students to see themselves as agents of change by developing innovative solutions through applied research that can drive industrialization and reduce dependency on foreign goods.
According to him, universities and research institutions must play a leading role in bridging the gap between academia and industry. He encouraged stronger collaboration between researchers and the private sector to ensure that research outcomes are translated into practical applications that benefit society.
Professor Danso further highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship in research, calling on students to commercialize their findings and contribute to job creation and economic transformation.
In his welcome address, Surveyor Professor Emmanuel Banfo-Agyei, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Cape Coast Technical University, urged students to take the two-day conference seriously and make the most of the knowledge-sharing opportunities available. He encouraged active participation in all sessions, noting that the conference was designed to equip them with practical insights to enhance their academic and professional development.
In addition, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Cape Coast Technical University disclosed that the University has established a one million internal research grant to support innovation and scholarly work. He indicated that the fund is open to postgraduate students to apply for financial support for their research projects, particularly those with strong potential to address national development challenges.
Participants at the conference engaged in discussions and presentations showcasing research projects aimed at addressing real-world challenges in areas such as agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and sustainability.
The event reaffirmed the critical role of applied research in national development and underscored the need for a collective effort to harness Ghana’s resources effectively for long-term growth.
By Frank Asorba Kofi Essuman
