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Create programmes to deal with global trend – Prof Akakpovi
Applied Science and Technologies and Technical, Vocational and Education Training (TVET) Institutions have been asked to create innovative programmes, short courses, research groups and centres to deal with emerging global and national trends.
They are encouraged to collaborate with relevant industries to find workable Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) programmes on campus.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor of Accra Technical University (ATU), Prof Amevi Akakpovi, who delivered the keynote address at the First Poster and Exhibition Conference on the theme, “Innovative Technologies in Applied Sciences”, at the university, said the world was rapidly changing and technology was the main driver in this regard.
He said Disruptive Technology was a new innovation that had significantly changed the way an existing market or industry operated, adding that though it initially met resistance, they could transform how industry functioned. 
Prof Akakpovi listed some of the top disruptive technologies as 3D Printing, 5G and Improved Connectivity, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Automatic and Robotics, Cyber Security Advances , Virtual and Augmented Reality, The Work- From- Home Revolution, Voice –Activated Searches, Internet of Things ( IoT) and Edge Computing.
He said Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning were a method of making a computer-controlled robot, or a software think intelligently like the mind of the human. He disclosed that by 2030, about 50 billion devices would be in use around the world, and this would create a massive web of interconnected devices with the global spending estimated to reach US D 1.1 trillion by the end of this year.
Prof Akakpovi explained that AI was accomplished by studying the patterns of the human brain and by analysing the cognitive process, the outcome of these studies had developed intelligent software and systems.
He said AI had received a lot of commendation in the past and continued to be one of the technology trends because it was known for its superiority in image and speech recognition, navigation apps, smartphone personal assistants, ride-sharing apps among others.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor said the IT was the future and had already enabled devices, home appliances, cars and much more to be connected to and exchange data on the internet.
He said edge computing was a paradigm that brought computation and data storage closer and was expected to improve response times and save bandwidth.
Prof Edmund Ameko, the chairman of the Exhibiting Team also said the Computer Science Department had developed a software which would capture new people in a particular premise and track them with a specific numbers, and another software which could translate a person’s voice into writing.
Mr Johnson Opoku-Boateng, the Director of Business Development Services at the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and Founder of QA Consult who was the Guest Speaker, called for support for universities to carry out research in technology which would help in the establishment of business incubator among others.
Prof Alice Constance Mensah, the Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences (ATU), also urged students to develop apps and gadgets which would enable them to develop their own devices to speed up development.
Justice Nyarko, a student in the 3D Printing and Drones Department said the printer was used to manufacture the prototype of any design including human parts to precision, adding that the machine would enable operators to bring their creativity to reality.
By Raymond Kyekye
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
