KNUST Geomatic Engineering launches Golden Jubilee celebrations

The Department of Geomatic Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has launched activities to mark its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of contributions to geospatial education, surveying, mapping and national development.

Held under the theme, “Celebrating 50 Years of Shared Legacy in Spatial Excellence,” the launch brought together distinguished alumni, academics, industry leaders, students and professional bodies to reflect on the Department’s journey from its establishment as the Geodetic Engineering Department in 1975 to its current status as one of Africa’s leading centres for geospatial science and technology.

Delivering a welcome address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Provost of the College of Engineering, Prof Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, described the occasion as historic, noting that although the Department is marking 50 years as an independent academic unit, its roots in surveying education at KNUST date back to 1961.

He commended generations of faculty, staff, alumni and students whose contributions have built a lasting legacy in geospatial education and professional practice.

The Head of Department, Prof Samuel Ato Andam-Akorful, highlighted the Department’s role in training professionals who have driven spatial development in Ghana.

He paid tribute to alumni for their contributions to national development and acknowledged the dedication of lecturers and technicians over the years. He also disclosed that the curriculum is being updated to incorporate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital twinning, cloud computing, big data architecture and blockchain.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the keynote address, “From Chains to Satellites: 50 Years of Geomatic Engineering Impact in Ghana (1975–2026),” delivered by Ing.

Robert Dwamena. The presentation traced the profession’s evolution from traditional surveying techniques to advanced technologies such as GNSS, GIS, remote sensing, drone mapping, LiDAR and geospatial artificial intelligence, while underscoring the profession’s role in land administration, infrastructure development, energy, telecommunications, mining, environmental management and national planning.

The Department also recognised the longstanding support of the Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana (LiSAG) and the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) for their contributions to infrastructure development, professional training and the advancement of surveying practice in the country.

Distinguished scholars and pioneering alumni, including Prof. Allan A. Duker and Prof. Collins Fosu, reflected on the Department’s formative years and shared how careers in geomatics had enabled them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Two former staff members, William K. Baah and Nana Manu Boateng, were honoured for their meritorious service to the Department.

Member of Parliament for South Tongu, Maxwell Lukutor, formally launched the anniversary and unveiled the commemorative logo.

Describing himself as a “lone ranger” for the profession in Parliament, he urged surveyors and geomatic engineers to assume more visible roles in leadership, governance and policymaking.

Another highlight was the launch of the Department’s 50th Anniversary Lecture Series by Prof. Prosper B. Laari and Rev. Prof. John Ayer, Chairman of the Planning Committee.

The series will feature discussions on geospatial intelligence, GeoAI, climate monitoring, emerging technologies, alumni leadership, women in geomatics and student innovation, culminating in conversations on the future of spatial science in Africa.

Over the past five decades, the Department has produced distinguished professionals who have excelled in academia, public service, industry, technology and traditional leadership.

Among its notable alumni are Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, the Mamponghene and geospatial specialist; Joe Anokye, former Director-General of the National Communications Authority and former NASA engineer; Kwame Tenadu, former President of LiSAG and former Vice-President of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG); Naa Alhaji Iddirisu Abu, former Director of Surveys and current Kumbungu Naa; and Prof Samuel Kwasi Dartey-Baah, Vice-Chancellor of Central University.

The launch sets the stage for a year-long celebration aimed at honouring the Department’s rich legacy, celebrating its achievements and inspiring the next generation of geomatic engineers to shape the spatial future of Ghana and Africa.