The School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana was established following detailed planning and proposals made by a dedicated committee formed in the early 2000s. Prior to this, the University of Ghana had been primarily focused on liberal arts and basic sciences, with no significant emphasis on engineering education.

Formation and Planning (2000-2005)

In the early 2000s, the University of Ghana recognized the need to expand its academic offerings to include engineering disciplines. This led to the formation of a Planning Committee to develop a comprehensive plan for establishing a School of Engineering Sciences. The committee's objective was to create a program that would produce highly skilled engineering graduates capable of contributing to various sectors of the economy, particularly in the areas of research, industrial applications, and innovation.

The committee included members from various academic departments and external bodies such as the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), the National Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (NCSIR), and other experts. Professor Samuel Sefa-Dedeh, who was a prominent member of the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, chaired the committee.

The committee's work culminated in a proposal that outlined the need for the new school, including its objectives, infrastructure requirements, and the academic programs it would offer. The proposal emphasized a curriculum that combined a strong foundation in basic sciences and mathematics with specialized engineering courses. This model was designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Prof Sefa-Dedeh
Implementation and Growth

Following the approval of the proposal, an Implementation Committee was set up to oversee the establishment of the School of Engineering Sciences. Key activities included securing funding, developing infrastructure, and appointing academic staff. By the 2004/2005 academic year, the School admitted its first batch of students, marking the official start of engineering education at the University of Ghana.

The initial academic programs offered included Agricultural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Food Process Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Applied Physics. Each program was led by a coordinator responsible for developing the curriculum and ensuring the quality of education.

 

Academic and Research Excellence

Since its establishment, the School of Engineering Sciences has made significant strides in both academic and research activities. It has attracted dedicated faculty members and researchers who have contributed to various fields, including biomedical engineering, materials science, and agricultural engineering. The school emphasizes innovative approaches to addressing local and global challenges through research and collaboration with industries and international partners.

Today, the School of Engineering Sciences is an integral part of the University of Ghana, contributing to the nation's development by training engineers who are well-equipped to tackle contemporary challenges in technology, health, agriculture, and beyond.

Making an Impact

The establishment of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana marked a significant milestone in the university's history. It transformed the institution from a predominantly liberal arts-focused university into a comprehensive university with a strong emphasis on engineering and applied sciences, thereby enhancing its role in national development.