In other parts of the world, it is relatively common to experience the phenomenon of scientists, private institutions and research organizations who, through private means, set up on their own laboratories to discover new frontiers of discovery.
This is something that seems to be relatively lacking on the African continent, with particular emphasis on the nation Ghana.
It is in this direction that the Daily Searchlight finds as unwholesome a suggestion by Prof David Dodoo-Arhin, Director, Institute of Applied Science and Technology, University of Ghana, for the establishment of a Lithium Research Centre to provide training for students, professionals, and local communities in the mineral development.
That, according to the Professor ‘would help enhance the country’s human capital in the lithium industry’.
The Centre, the Professor said, would help graduates with specialised knowledge to contribute directly to mining operations, exploration, and environmental management.
“Lithium beneficiation plants will also create jobs, boost our economy, and empower communities,” he said.
The Professor made the call in Accra at an inaugural lecture organised by the University of Ghana on the topic “Beyond the Limit: Engineering Sustainable Solutions for Basic Human Needs”.
The Daily Searchlight believes that an institution such as the University of Ghana, which has a Chancellor, a Vice Chancellor as well as a Board, and rakes in billions of cedis most of which cannot be properly accounted for, can go ahead to establish a research centre without looking upon others to do same for it.
We believe, that for decades, the university has raised untold wealth by using education as a business. The University of Ghana not only provides education, it is also a business venture that makes significant amounts of money. We believe that if its managers have discovered an opportunity in in lithium research and education, it should go ahead and set up search a venture, instead of looking beyond the confines of the university for people and organizations to pump in additional funds, which will sink on the lush grounds of Legon and never rise again.
Let us develop the spirit of self-sustainability, before anything else!
