Professor Nathaniel Owusu Boadi, a Chemistry professor at KNUST, has called for significant government funding to support research and development in nanomaterial applications for energy generation. He also suggested establishing safety standards for the production, use, and disposal of nanomaterials to promote responsible technological advancement. Owusu Boadi spoke at his inaugural lecture, advocating for the creation of a National Nanotechnology Research Center to accelerate the commercialization of local nanotech solutions for Ghana’s energy challenges.
He emphasized the significance of nanomaterials in energy, health, environmental, and industrial applications, including enhanced solar cell efficiency, improved battery performance, and advanced water filtration. He noted that 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack electricity and that Ghana, as one of the leaders in electrification, must integrate more renewable energy sources into its power mix to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate environmental impacts.
Ghana’s dependence on thermal plants powered by fossil fuels raises sustainability concerns, making the expansion of renewable energy sources like solar essential. Owusu Boadi suggested that Ghana’s significant sunlight exposure makes it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy, which is currently limited due to the cost of conventional silicon-based solar cells.