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- 2 Aug
- 2025
UENR Tech Fair 2025
The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) has affirmed its leadership in digital innovation and youth empowerment at the 4th edition of UENR TechFair. Under the theme “Innovate and Elevate: Empowering the Youth to Pioneer Digitalization – The Role of Stakeholders,” the event convened academia, industry leaders, policymakers, and civil society at the Bank of Ghana Auditorium to explore the future of digital Ghana. Opening the fair, Dean of the School of Sciences, Prof. Samuel Fosu Gyasi, paid tribute to the late Dr. David Ntiamoah Ofosu and welcomed dignitaries and participants. He underscored the fair’s evolution into a regional hub for technological discourse and innovation, outlining the roles of stakeholders—from academia and government to civil society and industry—in cultivating a digital future.
Building on this, Head of the Department of Information Technology and Decision Sciences (ITDS), Prof. Peter Appiahene, traced the fair’s growth since 2021. He emphasized its alignment with national strategies such as the “1 Million Coders” initiative, calling for deeper stakeholder collaboration to make Bono Region a digital innovation hub. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, who chaired the event, framed UENR as a training ground for future “technologians”—graduates capable of driving Africa’s digital revolution. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to student-led innovation through improved infrastructure, updated curricula, and hands-on learning spaces.
Delivering the keynote address, former Deputy Attorney General, Hon. Alfred Tuah Yeboah, called for stronger legal and ethical frameworks to protect digital rights. He highlighted existing legislation such as the Data Protection Act and Cybersecurity Act while advocating for the integration of digital rights education into university programs. The Special Guest of Honour Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, praised UENR’s vision and reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to digital growth. He cited the party’s contributions to broadband expansion, rural telephony, and e-governance, while reiterating support for youth-led tech initiatives like the “1 Million Coders” program. He urged students to embrace both success and failure in their innovation journeys. He stated that digital transformation must serve people first—progress and prosperity will follow. In an insightful panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Anokye Acheampong Amponsah, the panel explored trust and security in digital systems. Mr. Seth Duodu advocated for blockchain technology to enhance transparency and data ownership in sectors like health and education. Miss Emeralda Acquah Kusi emphasized security-first software design and legal collaboration to ensure privacy. Student Winfred Daniels Dzeagu voiced concerns over data misuse and the fragility of trust among youth. The panel collectively called for stronger legal and technical frameworks to build a secure, inclusive digital future and empower youth as responsible data contributors. The 2025 UENR Tech Fair ended on a high note with the announcement of ITS Hackathon winners and recognition of outstanding student projects.