Airnote, a cellular-powered device, that collects air quality data using embedded sensors, has been mounted at UESD to monitor Air Quality on campus and the Eastern Region in general.
It was mounted by OpenAQ, an International NGO in the USA (that provides universal access to air quality data to empower a global community of change makers to solve air inequality), following a Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU) between the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya in the Eastern Region and OpenAQ in the United States of America to fight “air inequality’’ (Air Quality) through open data.
The signing took place in the office of the Vice-Chancellor of UESD, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, and was witnessed by some Management Members including the Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong.
The Director of Strategic Partnerships of OpenAQ, Dr. Colleen Marciel F. Rosales presented a signed document by the Executive Director of OpenAQ, Chris Hagerbaumer in the USA to Prof. Nyarko-Sampson who together with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edward Wiafe Debrah signed for UESD.
Prof. Nyarko Sampson said, Air quality is key in today’s world and important in UESD’s area of tuition. He expressed excitement about the collaboration of both institutions and acknowledged the initiative of Dr. Collins Gameli Hodli, a lecturer of the Department of Built Environment at the School of Sustainable Development (SSD) who was the bridge between UESD and OpenAQ, which was part of the process leading to the accreditation of the Built Environment programmes by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
The Vice-Chancellor expressed certainty that Dr. Hodli has more to give to UESD when it comes to Air Quality in Ghana. He said, the Department is expected to link up with institutions and professionals who seek the interest of the office. He further indicated that the collaboration is a stepping stone to many opportunities for the students and Lecturers of the Department of Built Environment.
He said, UESD stands ready at all times to work when it comes to following up on MoUs. He continued that often times, MoUs are signed and shelved as a research study but UESD follows up on the agreement, making sure the information in the document is being applied.
Responding, Dr. Colleen Marciel F. Rosales said, OpenAQ is poised to support UESD’s Air Quality and the mission is aligned with the environment which is a joy for OpenAQ. She said, OpenAQ is very much prepared to extend a hand to help to address forward Air Pollution in Ghana. It will also lend a hand to train personnel of the University when the need arises.
Later, the Ag. Dean of SSD, Prof. Anthony Amaoh together with Dr. Rosales and representatives of both institutions mounted an Airnote Device at UESD Campus which is an air quality monitor used to collect data with an embedded sensor. They were; Ag. Head of the Department of Built Environment (SSD), Dr. Dominic Boyetey, Dr. Collins Gameli Hodli, a lecturer at the Department, and the Assistant Registrar of Built Environment, Mr. Evans Bokor.
