The Institute of Development and Technology Management in Cape Coast has held its 10th congregation with a call on the government and institutions to explore technology to maximize the socio-economic benefits of the nation’s resources.
A call to harness technology for national development
Speaking at the ceremony, the Rector of the Institute, Professor John Micah, indicated that the resources of the nation could be sufficiently explored for impactful development if technology was fully developed in exploration and value addition.
He stated that development and civilization were directly dependent on the products of technology and if technology was properly harnessed it would significantly accelerate national growth.
The ceremony, which was held at the weekend, saw 11 graduates graduating with Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
About IDTM
The IDTM, with affiliation to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Cape Coast (UCC), runs postgraduate programmes in development studies as well as research and consultancy services in development and technology management.
It offers MA, MPhil and PhD in Development Studies with nine specializations including Higher Education and Development, Leadership and Development, Law and Development, Peace and Development, Gender and Development, Project Management, Technology Management, Development Finance and Community Development.
No technology, no development
Prof Micah said without efficiently employing technology there could be no development, adding that technology was essential for sustainable growth.
“We construct our roads, dams and factories using equipment made of materials which are products of technology. We travel in vehicles, boats and airplanes all of which are products of technology. Our medical officers diagnose and operate using sophisticated equipment which are products of technology,” he stated.
Currently, however, he said the challenge was how to use the suitable technology and processing methods to exploit our God-given minerals in an environmentally friendly manner so that we can prevent or minimize environmental damage and maximize the socio-economic benefits of technology.
He said the IDTM mandate was important in building the nation’s technological capability and called on interested stakeholders to commit to amply resource the Institute in its quest to develop human resources to support the country’s development.
Help speed development
He charged the graduands to apply the knowledge they had acquired to manage and control technology in a manner that would promote the country’s gains and speed up efforts towards attaining development goals.
In a keynote address, a fellow of the Ghana Academy, Professor Gladys Amponsah, explained that technology had made a huge impact on our daily lives from transportation safety to access to food and healthcare, socialization and productivity.
Survival
She stated that the survival of human beings and their wellbeing critically depended on how they could efficiently use science and technology to solve the world’s problems.
Prof Amponsah noted that the problem of air pollution from poorly maintained vehicles, the activities of illegal artisanal small-scale gold mining known as galamsey which was negatively impacting our rivers, and other challenges needed science and technology to come out with effective solutions to safeguard the future.
Chairman of Council
The Chairman of Council of IDTM, Prof Livingstone Sam Amoah, urged the graduands to join the alumni association and give back to their alma mater.
In a valedictory speech, Dr Ebenezer Tawiah Anuwa-Amarh urged the graduates to explore all opportunities of higher learning that would further equip them to meaningfully contribute to national development.
PhD graduands
The PhD graduands for the 10th Congregation were Ing. Dr. Laud Christian Ainoo, Dr. Ebenezer Tawiah Anuwa-Amarh, and Dr. Abdul-Basit Danjoe Munkaila.