The Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU) has once again demonstrated its growing stature in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship by securing several prestigious awards at the just-ended 4th Biennial Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana (ARCTUG) 2026.

The University's outstanding performance was celebrated during the ARCTUG 2026 Awards and Dinner Night held on May 29, 2026, at the Grove Essipong Beach Resort in Takoradi, Western Region.

Among the ten (10) participating Technical Universities in Ghana, CCTU distinguished itself in both the Research Presentation Sessions and the Innovation Challenges, earning national recognition for excellence in research and innovation.

An impressive display of research excellence and innovation earned CCTU a second-place overall finish. Host institution, Takoradi Technical University (TTU), took the top spot, while Ho Technical University ranked third.

In the research presentation category, CCTU scholars recorded remarkable success. Dr. Sandra Ama Kaburi of the Department of Food Science and Postharvest Technology won the Best Paper Award under Sub-theme 2: “Agriculture, Food Systems and Sustainable Applied Sciences”. Her award-winning research reflects the University's commitment to addressing critical challenges in agriculture and food systems through applied research.

Further elevating the University's profile, Dr. Theophilus Adu Frimpong of the Department of Renewable Energy and Technology received the Conference's Most Innovative Research Award in recognition of the originality and practical impact of his research.

The CCTU’s Department of Food Science and Postharvest Technology chalked up another achievement when Dr. Francis Padi Lamptey and his team of students won the Best Student Paper Award, underscoring the department's excellence in research mentorship and student development.

Beyond the research presentations, CCTU also excelled in the Innovation and Best Prototype/Exhibition Challenge, which comprised the Technical University Innovation Challenge and the Student Innovation Challenge.

In the Technical University Innovation Challenge, CCTU showcased two notable innovations: the Solartrike, developed by the Engineering Design and Innovation Centre (EDIC), and the BioCare Sanitary Pad, developed by the Department of Food Science and Postharvest Technology. The innovations earned CCTU the title of Second-Best Technical University in Innovation among the participating institutions and a trophy in recognition of its outstanding performance.

The University also made a strong showing in the Student Innovation Challenge, where Ms. Mary Ayorkor of the Department of Management and Administration was adjudged the Third Best Student Innovator. She received a cash prize of GH¢1,000 for her innovative contribution.

Several other student innovators, including Messrs Samuel Benedict Nugblega, Felix Baah Gyarteng of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Francis Andoh of the Department of Computer Science and Technology, Cosmos Dawutey of the Department of Food Science and Postharvest Technology, and their colleagues, received certificates of participation in recognition of their innovative efforts.

Additional honours were bestowed on members of the University during the Conference. Five (5) rapporteurs received letters of commendation for their dedicated service, while CCTU was presented with a Certificate of Innovation Participation in recognition of its active involvement in the Innovation Challenge.

In acknowledging the University's success, the Director of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC), Prof. Richard Osae, and the Director of the Engineering Design and Innovation Centre (EDIC), Dr. Kwame Anane Fenin, expressed profound appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kwaku Adutwum Ayim Boakye, and University Management for their unwavering support, encouragement and commitment, which contributed significantly to CCTU's successful participation in ARCTUG 2026.       

According to Prof. Osae, the achievements recorded at the conference reflected the University's growing commitment to applied research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-driven solutions that contributed to Ghana's national development agenda.

With these accomplishments, Cape Coast Technical University continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading hub for innovation, practical research, and technological advancement within Ghana's tertiary educational landscape.

Source: Directorate of Public Affairs