The Vice-Chancellor of Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, has called for a decisive shift towards homegrown solutions to Africa’s food security challenges, stressing the need for the continent to take responsibility for feeding itself.
He made the statement while delivering the keynote address as Guest Speaker at the 2026 Food Festival of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Friday, 13 February 2026, in his additional capacity as President of the Ghana Food Science and Technology Society (GhaFoST).
Prof. Afoakwa noted that although Ghana is endowed with rich biodiversity and a diverse culinary heritage, food insecurity persists due to weak food value chains and limited investment in indigenous food systems. He stressed that sustainable solutions must be rooted in local knowledge, culture and science.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, Ghana and Africa at large must move beyond dependence on imported food solutions and adopt policies that deliberately promote indigenous foods as central components of national food security strategies. He emphasized that strengthening local food systems would not only enhance nutrition and resilience but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Prof. Afoakwa further highlighted the critical role of universities in driving this transformation, urging higher education institutions to focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and practical research that addresses real societal challenges. He challenged students and researchers to translate academic knowledge into scalable solutions that modernize traditional foods while preserving their cultural identity.
He also underscored the need to bridge the gap between scientific research and indigenous knowledge systems, explaining that sustainable development can only be achieved when modern science builds upon local traditions rather than replacing them.
The KNUST Food Festival is an annual academic and cultural event that celebrates Ghana’s indigenous foods while promoting dialogue on sustainable food systems, nutrition and innovation.
Source: https://www.knust.edu.gh/
