A Professor of Physical and Materials Science, Prof. George Amoako, has appealed to government to set-up well-equipped research centres for universities in Ghana.
That, according to him, would go a long way to motivate young scientists to undertake cutting-edge research to provide solutions to homegrown problems facing the country.
He explained that the relentless efforts of government to encourage students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related courses would become a mirage if the unavailability of advanced research laboratories at tertiary institutions was not addressed.
Prof. Amoako made the appeal during his inaugural lecture on the topic: “DNA Origami: Template for Patterning Nanostructures.”
Prof. George AmoaKo being robed after his inaugural lecture by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong( right) and Prof. P. K Buah-Bassuah (left), both members of the College of Professors-UCC
He lamented that scientists conducting compelling research in the country were facing difficulties and those who defied the odds had to collaborate with international partners at their own expense to get practically accurate findings of their theoretical works.
“Locally, people doing advanced research in the sciences go through hell because the equipment are not there. The determined ones must collaborate with international partners at a lot of expense,” added Prof. Amoako.
He added that it was opportune time for the nation to invest into research centres to make Ghanaian students studying STEM education competitive on the global market.
Prof. Amoako stated that DNA Origami approach made use of a long scaffold strand as the imput to self-assemble with a few hundred staple strands into desired shapes.
Prof. George Amoako and his immediate family
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, in his remarks, reechoed the sentiment that government should resource universities to embark on vigorous research for the forward match of the country
Prof. Amoako at a glance:
· Born 1 December 1971 at Kyebi, Sekyere Central, Ashanti Region
· Had primary education at Kyebi Methodist Primary School
· Enrolled at Techiman Secondary School in 1985 and completed in 1990.
· Attended Obuasi Secondary Technical School for his Advanced Level Studies
· Admitted into the University of Cape Coast for his first degree in 1994 where he graduated with BSc. (Hons.) Physics.
· Offered National Service as a teacher at the Presbyterian Secondary School at Bechem in 1999
· Later worked as a Science teacher at Kumasi Methodist Day SHS
· Pursued MSc. Degree in Physics at University of Stuttgart,Germany, between 2003-2005
· Appointed lecturer at UCC in 2006
· Promoted to the rank of Senior Lecturer in 2013.
· Awarded the Jiangsu University President’s scholarship to pursue a doctorate programme in Materials Science in Jiangsu University, Zhengjiang, China from 2010-2014.
· Appointed as Head, Department of Physics from 2018-2023
· Completed the supervision of two M.Phil students and supervised five PhDs
· Served as Casford Hall Tutor
· Promoted to full Professor in 2020
· Devout member of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana
· Married with four children
· Delivered his inaugural lecture on the topic: “DNA Origami: Template for Patterning Nanostructures,” in 2023.
