The Department of Geography and Resource Development at the University of Ghana has commissioned a new Geospatial Intelligence (GeoInt) Laboratory and launched a fundraising campaign to establish a Geo-Artificial Intelligence (Geo-AI) Centre, a move expected to strengthen research, innovation and skills development in geospatial sciences.
The initiative is aimed at positioning the University as a leading hub for geospatial intelligence, artificial intelligence applications and data-driven solutions to support national development and sustainable economic growth.
The commissioning and fundraising launch were held under the theme, “Nurturing an Astute Geographer: A Collective Responsibility,” attracting university officials, government representatives, industry leaders, alumni, students and development partners.
Speaking at the event, Brent Nartey, Chief Executive Officer of MISA Energy Ghana Ltd. and an alumnus of the Department, emphasized the growing role of artificial intelligence and geospatial technologies in solving complex development challenges.
According to him, the convergence of Geography and Artificial Intelligence presents enormous opportunities for addressing issues such as environmental management, urban planning, disaster risk reduction, climate resilience and infrastructure development.
He noted that preparing the next generation of geographers to respond to these challenges requires strong collaboration between academia, industry, government institutions, civil society organisations and local communities.
“The future of geospatial science depends on our collective ability to invest in knowledge, technology and human capital development,” he said.
Professor Charlotte Wrigley-Asante, a faculty member and former Head of the Department, outlined the vision behind the proposed Geo-Artificial Intelligence Centre.
She described the project as a strategic investment that would provide advanced facilities for research, practical training and innovation while supporting evidence-based policymaking across key sectors of the economy.
According to her, the Centre will create opportunities for students, researchers and industry practitioners to develop solutions that can improve land administration, infrastructure planning, environmental sustainability and climate adaptation efforts.
She called on stakeholders, development partners and the private sector to support the fundraising campaign, stressing that geospatial intelligence is increasingly becoming an essential tool for economic planning and decision-making.
Professor Wrigley-Asante noted that the proposed Centre would help bridge the gap between academic research and practical industry needs while enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness in emerging digital and geospatial technologies.
The incoming Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, commended the Department for spearheading the initiative and expressed appreciation to donors and partners supporting the project.
He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to promoting innovation, research excellence and practical learning opportunities that prepare students for the evolving demands of the global economy.
Prof. Codjoe encouraged students to take advantage of the new GeoInt Lab and future opportunities that would be created through the establishment of the Geo-AI Centre.
He subsequently declared the Geo-Artificial Intelligence Centre initiative officially launched.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the proposed Geo-Artificial Intelligence Centre building design by Brent Nartey and Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority.
The unveiling provided stakeholders with a glimpse of the facility that is expected to become a centre of excellence for geospatial intelligence, artificial intelligence applications and interdisciplinary research.
Professor Barimah Owusu, Head of the Department of Geography and Resource Development, later presented details of the proposed facility, explaining how it would support teaching, research, innovation, stakeholder engagement and professional development.
He said the Centre would serve as a platform for collaboration between academia, government agencies and private sector organisations seeking geospatial solutions to development challenges.
The event also featured the commissioning and inspection of the newly established GeoInt Lab by Nana Opare Kwafo I, Kyedomhene of Aburi Atwiasin and Chief Executive Officer of Jilcon Construction and Petroleum Company-Ghana, alongside Philip Korletey, Chief Executive Officer of Quality Properties Real Estate Developers.
Stakeholders described the commissioning as a significant milestone that reflects the successful partnership between the University, its alumni network and industry partners.
Beyond the immediate benefits for students and researchers, the project is expected to contribute to Ghana’s digital transformation agenda by strengthening local capacity in geospatial analytics, artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making.
With the launch of the fundraising campaign, the Department hopes to mobilise support from public and private sector stakeholders to realise its vision of establishing a world-class Geo-Artificial Intelligence Centre capable of serving Ghana and the wider African continent.
The initiative marks an important step in positioning the University of Ghana at the forefront of geospatial innovation while equipping future professionals with the skills needed to address emerging development challenges.
