Launch of an initiative to manufacture science equipment for SHSs

A project has been started to manufacture domestic science equipment for the nation’s second cycle universities.

The African-Caribbean Manufacturing Ltd (ACML) will manufacture long-lasting and reasonably priced equipment to meet the needs of science labs in the nation and the West Africa sub-region. Among the manufactured equipment on display at yesterday’s launch at the Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC-Legon) in Accra were optical flat pins, weight hangers without pointers, weights, battery boxes, spiral springs, pendulum bobs, and knife edge screen mirrors. The remaining equipment included potentiometers, lens holders, magnets, calorimeters, and sonometer boards. Prof. Spencer Duncan, a lecturer at Salt University College, said that among other goals, the initiative would increase job creation and economic development, adding that “we might even have a lot of export opportunities.”

Prof. Duncan stated, “We might be able to produce and send to neighboring countries as well as other parts of Africa.” He also expressed hope for the project’s sustainability and said it will benefit in the skill development of the kids.

Goals
Gilbert Akpabey, the ACML Board Chairman, added that the project’s goal was to provide students with sufficient training in science and associated subjects.

He asserted that “if we are not manufacturing, we are dead” and that manufacturing is the cornerstone of every robust economy.

Mr. Akpabey bemoaned the fact that university engineering students often left without understanding how machinery worked.

He praised Presec, Legon’s management for accepting the proposal and being willing to work with the business.

According to Mr. Akpabey, a thorough assessment conducted by ACML in the different high schools showed that the majority of the labs lacked the fundamental equipment needed for science instruction.

Importance
Despite offering other programs, Betty Amoah, the assistant head in charge of administration at Presec, Legon, claimed that the school was skewed toward science.

Purchasing some physics equipment has proven to be somewhat of a struggle over the years, she added, “so when the team approached management, we thought it was a good initiative worth supporting.”

According to Ms. Amoah, the school was pleased with the accomplishments of Mr. Akpabey, an 87-year-old former student.

The school’s greatness, she claimed, went beyond Africa to the global standard.

visit itrotronews everyday for updates