A chemistry festival is being held at the University of Energy and Natural Resources' (UENR) main campus in Sunyani, in the Bono Region.
The American Chemical Society is collaborating on the four-day event, the first of its type in Ghana, with the theme "Chemistry recreates nature" (ACS).
Teams representing chemistry from nations such as the United States, Nigeria, Tanzania, Cameroon, and Botswana will participate in the festival, which is also a part of the university's 10-year anniversary celebration.
ChemFest is held at the University of Energy and Natural Resources.
As part of the government-led effort to strengthen STEM education, certain senior and junior high school students will also take part in the Chemistry displays and festival training institution.
The vice chancellor of UENR, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, stated that chemistry has been at the forefront of altering the world economy since scientists are needed in many industries during the opening and launch of the ACS Chemistry Festival in Ghana.
"Chemistry advances in medicines and new product development, for example, have saved billions of human lives, increased productivity, and significantly changed the way people live," he said, adding that all these scientific advancements have made it possible for people to solve their problems and raise their standard of living.
Numerous problems brought on by increased urbanisation and globalisation, such as pandemics, energy and food insecurity, and climate change, must be addressed in a timely manner via advances in the chemical sciences.
ChemFest is held at the University of Energy and Natural Resources.
Because of this, the VC emphasised UENR's joy at taking part in the ACS's activities, one of the greatest scientific societies in the world, since they may assist the globe in finding answers to problems that have an impact on quality of life.
The chemical science department of the university, according to Prof. Asare-Bediako, is to foster and nature frontiers in chemical sciences, strive to solve significant energy and natural resource challenges that confront the world. This institution provides leadership in science, technology, and management of energy and natural resources, and aspires to be a centre of excellence in these areas.
However, he urged the ACS to step up its green chemistry research in order to assure sustainable growth while also meeting the demand for new materials to enhance human well-being.
According to Dr. Ismaila Emahi, the faculty adviser for the ACS-UENR International Student chapter, the organisation offers several advantages to students, the school, and Ghana, including science leadership initiatives, assistance with e-books, and funding for research projects. He said that every university student from Ghana who wants to join the ACS-UENR branch pays a reduced membership price and receives all the perks.