Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana and a Professor of Linguistics, has called for research and technology to be directed towards addressing real-world problems rather than being pursued solely for novelty.
She noted that technology and research should be connected to the challenges facing people and communities, with innovation focused on developing practical applications that create value.
Prof Amfo was speaking at the MTN-UG Tekyerema Pa AI Hackathon ’26 — MoU Signing in Accra.
She emphasised the need to understand existing problems, conduct relevant research and apply knowledge to develop solutions that respond to those challenges.
According to her, the development of technology should go beyond producing ideas or creating new technologies for their own sake, stressing the importance of applying knowledge in ways that have practical relevance.
She also highlighted the role of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in transforming research into useful applications.
Prof Amfo indicated that innovation could involve identifying existing challenges and finding different or more effective ways of applying technology and research to address them.
She further touched on the broader importance of knowledge, collective action and justice, suggesting that technological development should remain connected to issues that matter to society.
The Vice-Chancellor’s remarks placed emphasis on moving research and technology from theory and novelty towards practical applications that respond to real-world challenges.
