Current News | Archived News | Media Coverage | Subscribe to email newsletter 
News from 2009
Jan-Mar
| Apr-Jun |
Jul-Sep |
Oct-Dec
Ashesi students modify medical
diagnostic software for mobile phones
March,
2009
 The Acting Chair of Ashesi’s
Computer Science Department, Dr. Nathan Amanquah and two Ashesi
seniors, Adwoa Osei-Pianim and Kofi Manful, are working on
software for mobile devices that will aid the diagnosis of skin
diseases in remote parts of Ghana. The software, originally
developed by a team led by MIT research fellow Don Yansen,
allows nurses in the field to take pictures of patients with
their cell phones, fill out a brief questionnaire, and send it
to a doctor in the United States for diagnosis. Unfortunately,
the original software only works on a specific brand of mobile
phone. Ashesi students, Kofi Manful and Adwoa Osei-Pianim are
modifying the software using Java so it can work effectively on
several models of Nokia phones used commonly in Ghana.
Over the past ten years, mobile
phone networks have spread across the country and can be
accessed in most communities. The hope is that the software will
be used by community health nurses that work in remote locations
across the country, improving diagnosis and treatment of
patients that often have no access to doctors.
In the future, Dr. Amanquah and his
team hope to re-write the software in the Python programming
language to allow the software to work more effectively on
advanced smart phones. One of the challenges with the current
software is the cost of sending picture data to doctors
internationally. Using Python, the software will be able to
imbed the pictures of patients in a GPRS message, which
significantly reduces the cost of data transfer and makes the
program more sustainable.
Dr.
Amanquah explained, "This is a very interesting opportunity for
us to create software that can improve the quality of health
care in Ghana and other African countries. We hope to
expand the scope of the software to help diagnose other types of
medical conditions in the future."
Researcher discusses simulations with
Ashesi students
March,
2009
 Patrick
Kirchhof,
Research Assistant and Chair of Operations
Management and Information systems, University of Osnabrück,
Germany, spoke at Ashesi on Wednesday March 25. The venue,
Lecture Hall 5 was so packed that some students had to stand.
His topic, “Discrete Event Simulation”, drew students from all
classes, faculty and some members of staff.
“I am pleased to be here at Ashesi and to speak
with you about the use of simulation in evaluating performance
of systems,” he said. He explained that simulation use was
imperative in situations where there’s the need to experiment
with real systems, existent or proposed. “Simulations allow the
application of exact mathematical algorithms and this enables us
to predict and reduce the incidence on unpredictability,” he
added.
Kirchhof asked his audience to give example of
situations where simulations are used given the background he
had just presented. Answers included material and
automotive-handling systems, transportation logistics and the
military.
Kirchhof went on to show a simulation experiment
for a manufacturing plant. Participants were encouraged to make
inference from the simulation to real life. “Simulations provide
a trade off between realism and simplicity when the element of
randomness is considered” Kofi Manful, a senior, remarked.
One of Kirchhof’s real-life simulation examples,
“if small-pox strikes Portland (U.S.A)”, was the creation of
virtual models of exact locations in Portland. The plague,
small-pox was then unleashed into “virtual Portland” to
determine how social networks spread diseases and also to
measure the government’s preparedness to solve the epidemic if
it struck.
“This presentation has lured me into thinking
about how simulation can be used to address Accra’s constant
traffic congestion,” David Agbenyega, Class of 2009, stated.
Ashesi senior analyses the impact of
radio advertising in Ghana
March,
2009
 “To
what extent do radio advertisements impact the sale of products
in Ghana?” This is the central question explored in the senior
thesis project of Former JEC Chairperson, Okyeame Sarfo. Okyeame
was inspired by the fact that many products and services receive
massive radio advertising campaigns. He wondered if radio
advertisements really did impact product sales, and further, if
net profits improved even after accounting for the massive
budgets spent on advertising.
In an attempt
to come to a successful conclusion, Okyeame gathered data from a
range of selected companies in the Ghanaian market, ran a
regression analysis and analyzed the data to evaluate his
hypothesis. His research revealed that in Ghana radio
listenership was higher than the patronage of print, television
or internet media. Radio advertising was in fact an effective
way to improve sales. Further, he found that products
advertising in local languages led to a quicker customer
response than advertising in English.
In the future
he hopes his data and recommendations will be used by companies
to help make decisions on how to use radio advertisements
effectively. He also hopes that students and lecturers can refer
to data from his thesis in their discussions about marketing in
Ghana. The study provides a lot of information to readers on
the positive and negative aspects of investing in radio
advertisements.
Okyeame is just one of the over
fifty students that will graduate in June. As graduation is fast
approaching, seniors are working hard on their final projects.
About 40% are writing theses, 55% are working in groups to
develop business plans and a few are working on applied
projects. Graduating seniors are asked to use the knowledge they
have gained from Ashesi over the last four years to find
practical solutions to real issues in Ghanaian business and
society.
Okyeame describes the
senior project experience as “exhilarating” and thinks it helped
him understand the dynamics of marketing and how to use various
marketing tools and techniques to improve the sales and profit
margins of firms in Ghana.
The
Ashesi basketball team takes on Regent University
March,
2009
Ashesi enjoys making the most of opportunities to engage
students of other universities and the basketball game between
Regent University and Ashesi which took place in March was a
perfect example. The game took place at the Prisons Court and
was a much anticipated chance for Ashesi to stage a comeback. In
a previous game that Ashesi had played against Regent at the
Dansoman Keep Fit Club Court, Regent University had won by a
single point and Ashesi’s team was itching to redeem itself. The
game at the Prisons Court began with Regent University
dominating the tensed up Ashesi players. By the third quarter,
however Ashesi was back in the game with a three point lead.
Unfortunately the lead was not long lived; Regent’s team bounced
back, to the annoyance of the home team fans. After hours of
heated combat, Regent held on to their lead and came out the
winner with an impressive ten point lead. Let’s hope the Ashesi
team has better luck next time.
New face on campus: Mrs. Salome Hammond-Okoh
March,
2009
 The Career Services Department of Ashesi has been blessed yet
again with another assiduous and innovative staff member, Mrs.
Salome Hammond-Okoh. She is the new Assistant Director for
the Career Services Department at Ashesi. Mrs. Hammond-Okoh is
introduced by Ronke Nedd, Ashesi’s Director of Human Resources
as “someone with years of experience in the areas of counselling
and student advising.”
Mrs. Hammond-Okoh earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree at Concordia
College Minnesota, USA where she double majored in Psychology
and; Child and Family Studies with a Minor in Sociology. While a
student at Concordia, she served as Student Government
Commissioner for Organizational Support. Her love for African
culture and arts led her to become a founding member of the
African Ensemble, a choral group comprising of students from
various African Countries. After Concordia, She went on to
pursue a Master of Arts Degree in Counselling at St. Edwards
University in Texas, USA.
Before joining Ashesi, Mrs. Hammond-Okoh worked as a Student
Services Assistant at Austin Community College in Texas, where
she supported students from diverse backgrounds with various
counselling and advising concerns.
Solome had
always hoped to return to Ghana to contribute to Ghana’s
educational system and saw working at Ashesi as a great
opportunity to make a difference. She specifically sought to
work at Ashesi because she believes it is on the road to making
a difference in Ghana and on the continent.
Mrs. Hammond-Okoh will be conducting career planning workshops,
assisting Ashesi students in establishing realistic career goals
and identifying internship opportunities for students. Her
varied experiences from her counselling and educational
background, combined with a can do attitude, will help her to be
an effective staff member. She also hopes to be of help to
Ashesi students in various areas apart from career preparation.
She “deems it an honour to be in Ashesi.”
Ashesi students demonstrate talent at
community event
February,
2009
 The annual community event is always a great way to build and
rekindle the Ashesi spirit amongst students, faculty and staff.
This year’s, the second of its kind, was no exception. Students,
members of staff and faculty came together to dialogue in a
no-pressure environment. There was a lot to eat, drink and
discover.
“I
look forward to these events because they create a relaxed
atmosphere for interaction amongst students, faculty, staff and
alumni who may be present. It’s nice to sit at a table with my
favorite member of staff and talk over bottles of coke! ”Adwoa
Tutu’10.
The event featured presentations of student projects including
extra-curricular endeavors and thesis projects. Kwei Quaye-Foli,
class of 2009, gave a presentation on his thesis project, a web
application that finds the best rout between two locations.
Moses Teye-Mensah shared with the community his findings on the
potential economic perils facing Ghana if revenues from Ghana's
recent oil discovery are not managed properly.
Daniel Aduodeh ’10 gave a touching account of his community
service experience. Daniel volunteered at an orphanage, the Osu
Children’s Home. According to Daniel, in the beginning, it was
just another community service project to be completed. “After
weeks at the orphanage, I found that I looked forward to helping
these children with their homework and reading skills. It was
heart-warming to know that there was a six year old hoping I’d
show up at 4:00pm every other day.”
 The event all featured festive musical interludes as the Ashesi
Community Choir entertained the crowd with renditions of
traditional and contemporary songs.
Dr. Awuah capped the night with the "State of the University
Address" and discussed the upcoming construction of a new
campus for Ashesi University in Berekuso, a village just outside
Accra. “We’ve been talking about Berekuso since my first year
and I’m excited to see definite plans! I can't wait to watch it
happen.” Godson Quaye’09.
Romeo Owusu-Anning received the “Good Ashesi
Citizen Award” and the student club, Kingdom Christian
Fellowship (KCF) won the “Best Club” award. Both Romeo and the
leadership of KCF won cash prizes for their commitment to
enhancing the student experience of Ashesi. At Ashesi, we
realize that by celebrating each other, we build the spirit of
creativity and togetherness.
Alumni
share industry experiences at town hall meeting
Could’ve, Should’ve, Would’ve: A Reflection of the Ashesi
Experience and Life After Ashesi
was the first town hall meeting to host Ashesi alumni. Alumni
from various professions such as the banking sector, the IT
industry and the non-profit sector shared their experiences in
the working world with the Ashesi community. Special focus was
given to the ways in which these alums had dealt with ethical
dilemmas in the workplace and the various alumni took the
opportunity to advise current students on the importance of
maintaining an ethical stance at all times. Some sound bites
from the students included:
“Ethics is an
attitude you adopt”
“Have the courage
to give up your friend if they are wrong”
“Lack of
integrity creates a society of mistrust”
“Build a personal
brand that includes integrity”
“Integrity is
critical to the survival of our society”
NAPE Foundation supports eight Ashesi
University College students
January,
2009
 Eight
Ashesi students, in January this year, were awarded the “Lee
Nusich Scholarship” by the Naa Amerley Palm Education (NAPE)
Foundation. The students are
Esther Nipaa Osei ’10, Selase Kwamuar ’10, Emmanuel Gyane ’11,
Francis Asante ’11, Afua Serwaa Biney ’11, Henry Cleland ’11,
John Benson ’12 and Samuel Kwadwo Obeng ’12.
Scholarship recipient, Afua Serwa Biney, speaking on behalf of
her colleagues, described what this means to the selected
students. “We are grateful for this scholarship. It’s a great
motivation as it goes to show that hard work always pays.” To
qualify for a scholarship, an applicant must hold a minimum GPA
requirement of 2.50 and show a monetary need as well.
The
NAPE Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in
Portland, Oregon with a subsidiary in Accra, Ghana. The
Foundation seeks to promote higher educational opportunities
among Ghanaians by providing scholarships for students to attend
High Schools and Universities. The NAPE Foundation also supports
students to enrol on-line degree programs at accredited American
Universities. The Foundation’s involvement in promoting higher
education among Ghanaian youth is its way of giving back to the
home country of its Founder and President, Peter Carlos Okantey.
For more information about the NAPE Foundation, please visit
www.napefoundation.org.
Babson-Ashesi Seminar
January,
2009
The Babson-Ashesi Business seminar is an initiative of Professor
Dennis Hanno, the Dean of Undergraduate students at Babson
College. The seminar is held each year at Ashesi University and
brings together Babson and Ashesi students to engage business
executives in spirited discussions on a variety of topics. This
year’s topics included: politics and governance in Ghana,
business opportunities in an emerging market and the legal
framework for doing business in Ghana. At the end of seminar a
lively discussion ensued between Professor Hanno and the
students present on the benefits of co-curricular and
extracurricular activities in the lives of students. The event
was hosted by Dr. Ansah of the Ashesi Business Department.
Ashesi student selected for study
abroad scholarship at Babson College, USA
January,
2009
 Nana Ama
Akosa, Class of 2010 will receive a scholarship and travel
expenses to attend Babson College in the United States for a one
semester exchange programme, starting in January 2009. Babson,
which is currently ranked by US News & World Report as
the “#1 university for entrepreneurship education” and by
Newsweek/Kaplan as the “Hottest College for Business” in the
United States, has developed a partnership with Ashesi over the
last three years due to a similar mission and teaching
philosophy. Each year Babson students travel to Ghana to
participate in a one-day business seminar at Ashesi and visit
different parts of the country to complete community service
projects.
Babson has
gained a worldwide reputation for excellence in teaching
entrepreneurship due to its innovative curriculum that requires
all students to manage a business before graduation. Babson
graduates have gone on to found and manage major corporations in
the United States and Internationally. Babson chose to work
with Ashesi University College because of Ashesi’s similar focus
on ethical and entrepreneurship leadership throughout its
curriculum. Similar course offerings at Ashesi with a focus on
quality will ensure that the student participating in the
exchange is well prepared for Babson’s demanding curriculum.
Dean of
Babson’s Undergraduate School of Business, Prof. Dennis Hanno
commented, “We are very excited to have the opportunity to host
an Ashesi student at Babson College. We are sure Nana Ama’s
unique perspective will have an impact on campus. We hope this
is the first exchange of many more to come and look forward to
more collaboration with Ashesi University in the future.”
Ashesi Community Event
January,
2009
This year’s community event was greatly anticipated, given the
success of the first one. The event highlights included a
performance by the new Ashesi choir, a presentation by Dr. Awuah
on the state of the university and presentations by students on
thesis and community service projects. The event was also an
opportunity to recognise members of the community that have made
outstanding contributions to campus life. Awards were given to
the most active club on campus, Kingdom Christian Fellowship,
whilst the good citizen award which went to Romeo Owusu-Aning,
the President of Ashesi Student Council. Nominations for these
awards were made by the student body.
Ashesi
students selected for Goldman Sachs Spring Internship
Programme
January,
2009
 Two Ashesi
University College students have been selected to participate in
the 2009 Goldman Sachs Spring Internship Programme in London.
The students were selected from hundreds of applicants who
applied from universities across the nation. Students from
Ashesi University have for the past four years won the
opportunity to participate in the programme.
The two
students selected this year are Ms. Afua Aidoo and Ms. Abena
Nyantekyi-Owusu. The two will join some of the world’s
brightest students at Goldman Sachs London later in the
year. Students are selected after a series of rigorous
interviews conducted by officials of the company. The programme
is designed to introduce excellent university students from
around the world to the workings of a leading global investment,
securities and investment management bank.
Ms. Aidoo
and Ms. Nyantekyi are both second year students planning to
study Business Administration. Ms. Aidoo stated “I am greatly
honoured to have the opportunity to work at a globally renowned
firm such as Goldman Sachs. I believe the courses I have taken
at Ashesi have adequately prepared me to be able to contribute
significantly during my internship.”
Back to top
Copyright © Ashesi University Foundation. All
rights reserved.
|
