KNUST initiates discussion on ceramic industry
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has started discussions on ways to make the ceramic industry in Ghana a vibrant one capable of providing varieties of materials to the building industry.
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It is to help provide alternate cement, bricks, tiles, refractory and crucibles for the oil and gas industry.
The Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. William Otoo-Ellis, said the various submissions at a three-day ceramics conference and exhibition in Kumasi would be forwarded to the relevant government agencies and institutions for consideration.
Conference
The conference, organised by the Department of Industrial Art on the theme: “Developing ceramics towards nation’s benefit,” was to advocate for a paradigm shift and a national focus on the importance and economic values of the use of ceramics in nation building.
The conference, which brought together experts, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Joe Nsiah Consult, Joe Nsiah, and John Asare, the Manager of Vicalex Bricks and Tiles company, was to gather information to formulate policies capable of addressing the critical issue.
Ceramics
Prof. Otoo-Ellis noted that in developed countries, ceramics has been the driving force of the economy since it permeated all the facets of life.
However, he said, “it is distressing to say that much has not been done by developing the abundant clay materials to provide alternatives in this country.”
The Dean of the Faculty of Art, Dr Patrick Osei-Poku, said despite the fact that the Ceramics Department had trained lots of highly skilled graduates, the industry did not seem to be vibrant and sustainable.
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He said the industry needed to be well developed to sustain the interest of ceramic professionals.
He suggested that a curriculum be tailored to meet the demand of the market to address both national and global changes.