Building Photonics Awareness Through Outreach Activities Towards Establishing the Ghana Photonics and Optics Laboratory

As the global shift toward photonics intensifies, nations invest heavily in this interdisciplinary field to bolster their economies and technological leadership. In Ghana, a major limitation is the lack of access to laboratory facilities critical for teaching and research in photonics and optics. Addressing these barriers requires building a robust ecosystem integrating education, research, innovation, and industry partnerships. In collaboration with SPIE, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is undertaking an initiative to establish a Photonics and Optics Laboratory at KNUST. However, this laboratory’s long-term success will depend on creating awareness and interest in photonics across Ghana. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the outreach activities conducted by the KNUST Photonics Student Chapter (KPSC) in 2024, emphasizing their structure, execution, and outcomes as evidenced by data collected from post-outreach surveys and the potential to shape the strategic direction of the Ghana Photonics and Optics Laboratory (GPOL).