Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU) has taken a bold step towards addressing Ghana's waste management challenges by hosting a Training Workshop on the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Technology to process organic waste into animal feed and compost. The opening ceremony, held on February 19, 2025, brought together experts from the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), the Biotechnology and Nuclear Research Institute (BNARI), and the Ghana Skills Development Fund (GSDF), as well as staff and students of the University and local farmers in the catchment areas.

In his opening address, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kwaku Adutwum Ayim Boakye emphasized the need for universities to create practical solutions to real-world problems. He commended his team from the Department of Food Science and Postharvest Technology, for securing the grant from GSDF to undertake the project. He expressed his excitement about the potentials of BSF technology in addressing Ghana's waste management challenges. "If universities in Ghana and Africa are going to be relevant, they must create practical solutions to real problems," he stated.

Professor Emmanuel Kwaw, the Project Lead, delivered a comprehensive presentation on BSF technology, highlighting its potential to convert organic waste into valuable resources. He explained that an individual in Ghana produces approximately 0.2kg of food waste daily, contributing to 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions. He emphasized the need for effective post-waste management systems, citing BSF technology as a promising solution.

The larvae of the BSF, Professor Kwaw noted, were promising candidates for fish and livestock feed production. He stressed the importance of increasing lava production with BNARI's support. The benefits of BSF technology, he concluded, were employment opportunities and environmental improvement.

Representatives from GAEC, BNARI, and GSDF delivered speeches, expressing the significance of the workshop and the potential of BSF technology in Ghana. Dr. Selorm Ofori from BNARI noted that BSF technology has the potential to address Ghana's waste management challenges, while he emphasized the alignment of BSF technology with GAEC's mission to promote sustainable development.

The workshop provided a platform for participants to gain insights into the economic and environmental benefits of BSF technology, including reduced waste disposal costs, improved soil fertility, and increased food security. With over Fifty (50) participants, the workshop marked a significant step towards promoting sustainable waste management practices in Ghana.

In his closing remarks, Prof. K. A. A. Boakye stated that Management was in full support of seeing the project come to fruition and would ensure that students got involved in the project to curb real-world problems and contribute to reducing unemployment in the nation.

The project, expected to conclude on May 30, 2025, promises to be exciting. As Ghana grapples with waste management challenges, using BSF technology offers a promising solution. The workshop at CCTU demonstrates the University's commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability.