By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) has officially commissioned its state-of-the-art Center of Excellence at Akyawkrom in the Ejisu Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
The new facility is designed to empower young innovators, drive practical problem-solving, and promote homegrown technological advancement in Ghana.
Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director of KIC, described the commissioning as a major milestone in the Center’s mission to transform ideas into impactful, real-world solutions that contribute to national development.
“The future of innovation in Ghana will be built by Ghanaians, in Ghana, for Ghana and for Africa,” he declared.
The new Hardware Center of Excellence is a world-class makerspace equipped with six specialized laboratories, each supporting a distinct stage of product design and development.
These include the Food Innovation Lab, Electronics Lab, Mechatronics Lab, Computer Design Lab, Metal Fabrication Lab, and Woodwork Lab.
Together, they provide a complete ecosystem where innovators can design, prototype, and manufacture solutions tailored to Ghana’s agricultural and industrial sectors.
Mr. Gyan-Kesse emphasized that the Center will be open to KIC startups, as well as students, entrepreneurs, and innovators nationwide, offering access to cutting-edge tools, technical expertise, and collaborative spaces.
He expressed gratitude to Kosmos Energy and the Mastercard Foundation for their continued partnership and strategic support in advancing KIC’s vision.
The commissioning precedes the KIC School Farm Competition Awards, scheduled for November 14 in Kumasi. The annual event celebrates innovation in agriculture and highlights KIC’s broader mission to make agribusiness a source of dignity, creativity, and prosperity for Ghanaian youth.
“Together, let us make innovation the heartbeat of Ghana’s progress,” Mr. Gyan-Kesse concluded.
Gracing the occasion on behalf of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama was the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, who commended KIC and its partners for their visionary initiative.
Hon. Opare Addo described the commissioning as “an expression of commitment that will illuminate the path for generations to come.” He lauded the Center as a “beacon of partnership, innovation, and youth empowerment; a living testament to what can be achieved when collaborators align their efforts for the greater good.”
Highlighting the government’s focus on youth-centered development, the Minister noted that the Mahama-led administration has prioritized policies that create ecosystems where young people can thrive.
“This agenda calls for systems that nurture creativity, equip minds with tools for self-reliance, and transform vulnerabilities into victories. At the heart of this vision stands the KIC Center of Excellence; a pioneering force that turns vision into reality,” he said.
He further emphasized that KIC’s mission is both “clear and compelling to power innovation, transform communities, and impact lives.”
“For individuals, KIC offers more than skills. It provides a safe and creative space where curiosity is valued and failure is seen as a stepping stone to success,” Hon. Opare Addo added.
In his remarks, Nana Joe Mensah, Board Chairman of KIC, reaffirmed the organization’s belief in the creativity and ingenuity of Ghana’s youth.
“The establishment of this Center stands as a powerful statement that Ghana’s young people have the creativity, intellect, and drive to design and build solutions for the nation’s future,” he said.
He further noted that the commissioning represents “the unveiling of new opportunities for Ghana’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and students to transform imagination into innovation and innovation into tangible impact.”
The event drew dignitaries from government, academia, and industry, as well as young innovators, marking a significant step forward in positioning Ghana as a hub for innovation and youth-driven transformation.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
Contact:
📞 +233 541 921 562
✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
