The Department of Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Ghana has commissioned newly acquired state-of-the-art laboratory equipment to enhance research, teaching and student innovation.
The commissioning, held on Monday, July 28, 2025, brought together key academic leaders, student researchers and institutional stakeholders at the department’s premises on the Legon campus.
In his welcome address, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Professor Seth Adu-Afarwuah, emphasised the transformative nature of the equipment acquisition, stating:
“This is a step toward quality, practical education. We are not just training students to pass exams; we are equipping them to solve real-world food and nutritional challenges.”
The new laboratory additions include cutting-edge tools such as a Kjeldahl Digestor, Kjeltec 8100 Distillation Unit, Fat Analyzer, Analytical Balance, Vacuum Oven with Pump, Binocular Microscope, pH Meter, Plate Reader and Washer, and 15 pipettes—each contributing significantly to the department’s ability to conduct biochemical, nutritional and microbiological analyses.
Also present at the commissioning, Former Provost of CBAS, Professor Daniel Asiedu, and Deputy Director-General of GTEC, Professor Augustine Ocloo praised the student-centred approach and foresight behind the acquisition.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, in her commissioning address, described the initiative as aligned with the university’s broader strategic goals for research excellence and societal impact.
“We are building capacity not just for Ghana, but for the continent. And that journey begins with tools like these and the students who will use them.”
After a symbolic ribbon-cutting, a lab technician conducted a live demonstration of the equipment’s capabilities, showcasing how they will support student experiments and ongoing departmental research.
The event concluded with a photo session, closing remarks by Professor Adu-Afarwuah and an exhibition of student-led projects made possible through the department’s enriched lab infrastructure.
With this commissioning, the Department of Nutrition and Food Science reaffirms its role as a leader in food research, applied nutrition and student-focused innovation in Ghana and beyond.
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Story by JisLord Naaa Ablorh|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
