The Department of Geomatic Engineering at KNUST College of Engineering launched its 50th anniversary celebration, which coincides with the College of Engineering’s 75th anniversary of engineering education at KNUST, and the University’s 75th anniversary.
Prof. Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, Provost of the KNUST College of Engineering, noted that the convergence of these three anniversaries is no coincidence. “It is a reminder that excellence here has always been a shared inheritance, built layer upon layer and generation upon generation,” he said.
Prof. Nyarko traced the department’s roots further back than 50 years, revealing that degree-level training in land surveying began at KNUST in 1961, the very year the Kumasi College of Technology attained university status. Initially offered as a specialisation within Civil Engineering, the programme came of age in 1975 as an independent Department of Geodetic Engineering. In 2005, it was renamed the Department of Geomatic Engineering to reflect the evolving fields of satellite positioning, remote sensing, and digital mapping.
“Our launch documentary captures the story from the chain to the satellite,” Prof. Nyarko stated. He honoured the pioneers, foundation students, scholars, and alumni who have carried the department’s reputation into national and global service. He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to research, collaboration, and talent development in service to Ghana and beyond.
Prof. Samuel Ato Andam-Akorful, Head of the Department of Geomatic Engineering, emphasised the department’s leadership in training personnel who champion spatial development in Ghana. He acknowledged alumni for their significant contributions to national development and thanked the department’s lecturers and technicians for their dedication.
Prof. Andam-Akorful noted that the 2005 transition to Geomatic Engineering required continuous evolution. “To align with contemporary advancements, we are updating our curriculum to integrate essential 21st-century technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Twinning, cloud computing, big data architecture, and blockchain,” he continued.
He stressed that evolution demands resources, including modern instruments and equipment. He called on industry partners, alumni, and all stakeholders to support the department in acquiring the necessary tools to train students for the next level of spatial excellence.
Delivering the keynote address, Surv. Eng. Robert Dwamena, former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), described the anniversary as a celebration of the transformation of people, institutions, and national development. “Through many transitions, the department has remained resilient and relevant,” he said. He noted that graduates have served with distinction locally and internationally, contributing significantly to major projects in Ghana.
Acknowledging the changing global landscape, Surv. Eng. Dwamena cautioned that “the world is changing rapidly; AI is running spatial analytics, and spatial data is transforming decision-making.” He urged the department to position itself to lead the next transformation by strengthening research, industrial partnerships, modernising laboratories, and fostering international collaborations.
He called on alumni to support the department in training students who are not only technically competent but also globally competitive. “While we celebrate how far we have come, the journey ahead still requires greater collective efforts,” he said. “Let us honour the past with gratitude, embrace the present with excellence, and face the future with courage and innovation.”
Hon. Maxwell Lukutor, Member of Parliament for South Tongu Constituency, praised the department for distinguishing itself as a true centre of excellence in geospatial innovation and research. He noted that the department has produced generations of professionals who have left their marks on land administration, engineering, environmental management, and infrastructure development.
Hon. Lukutor highlighted the ongoing global digital transformation, stating that geospatial technologies are at the forefront. “AI and satellite technologies are reshaping how governments, businesses, and communities operate,” he said. He charged the department to produce highly skilled professionals capable of leading this transformation.
Addressing students directly, he said, “You are the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. The future of geospatial science in Ghana rests significantly in your hands.” He urged them to pursue excellence, embrace technology, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, discipline, and resilience.
The launch featured reflections from faculty members and alumni, including Prof. Alan Duker, Prof. Collins Fosu, Mr. Williams Kwesi Baah, and Mr. Francis Man-Boateng (Nana Twumasi Ampofo Boateng, Sanaahene of Ejisu Abenase), who shared their personal journeys with participants. A documentary showcasing the department’s evolution “from chains to satellites” was also screened
The new Department of Geomatic Engineering logo was unveiled at the official launch of the 50th anniversary, and the head of the anniversary committee, Rev. Prof. Ayer, explained the concept behind the logo
In recognition of their dedicated service and contributions, citations were presented to Nana Twumasi Ampofo Boateng and Mr. William Kwesi Baah.
The anniversary celebration continues with a series of events planned throughout the year, as the department looks forward to a future of even greater impact and innovation.
