Academia, Industry and Development Partners Unite to Upgrade Biomedical Engineering Laboratories of KNUST and UG
The Biomedical Engineering Departments of the University of Ghana (UG) and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have unveiled newly upgraded Bioinstrumentation Laboratories designed to transform biomedical engineering education and strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system.
The initiative is part of the “Upskilling Biomedical Engineers for Ghana” project, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The upgrade was jointly funded through the develoPPP programme in partnership with adaptive learning solutions provider Area 9, and medical technology companies B. Braun, Delft Imaging, Draeger and Sysmex.
The two laboratories have been retrofitted with modern medical technologies currently used in hospitals nationwide. These include haematology analysers, X-ray systems, dialysis machines, infusion pumps, anaesthesia machines and basic equipment such as soldering stations, multimeters, oscilloscopes etc. for biomedical signal analysis.
Unlike demonstration models, the installed equipment reflects real clinical environments, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in installation, calibration, troubleshooting and maintenance.
University leaders say this marks a decisive shift from predominantly theory-based instruction to practical, competency-driven training.
The Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences, Prof Elsie Kaufmann noted, “biomedical engineering cannot be mastered through textbooks alone. With these laboratories, our students will graduate not just with degrees, but with practical competence and confidence.”
Hospitals, diagnostic centres, regulatory institutions and manufacturing firms require biomedical engineers who can manage complex technologies safely and efficiently. The upgraded facilities are expected to make graduates more competitive in a job market that increasingly demands professionals who can contribute from day one.
This was reiterated by the Head of Department of the Biomedical Engineering unit at KNUST, Prof Tutu who noted, “today’s health sector needs engineers who can install, maintain and innovate around sophisticated technologies. This initiative ensures that our graduates are prepared to meet that demand.”
Beyond undergraduate training, the laboratories will also function as centres for continuous professional development, enabling practicing biomedical engineers to upgrade their skills in line with global standards.
Stakeholders emphasised that the benefits extend far beyond university campuses.
The Project Manager, Dr Helene Widmer noted, “a well-equipped biomedical engineering workforce strengthens the entire health system. When we invest in technical capacity, we invest directly in better healthcare delivery. Today’s lab opening demonstrates the determination of all partners to contribute to building the biomedical sector capacities for lasting impact in Ghana.”
Partners described the initiative as a model of effective collaboration between academia, development cooperation and industry, ensuring a triple win for all.
Prof. Dr. Torsten Wagner, Lead Consultant on the project said on behalf of the five private companies, “by investing in training and equipment, we are not only contributing to national development; we are building a workforce that understands the technologies of the private sector partners and can drive innovation locally”.
As the laboratories begin operations, students have been encouraged to use the facilities as innovation hubs to experiment responsibly, ask critical questions and develop solutions tailored to Ghana’s healthcare realities.
