The University of Ghana has strengthened its research capacity with the installation of a new High Performance Computing (HPC) system valued at $500,000, a facility expected to accelerate research in climate science, artificial intelligence, health and other data-intensive fields.
The upgraded computing infrastructure was unveiled under the Africa Climate Collaborative project, a partnership involving the University of Ghana and the Mastercard Foundation.
Speaking at the unveiling, Vice-Chancellor Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo said the new system will enable researchers to analyse massive datasets that exceed the capabilities of conventional computers.
She noted that the university continues to generate large volumes of research data across different disciplines, making advanced computing infrastructure essential for modern scientific research.
According to Professor Amfo, the facility has been made accessible to researchers from various schools and departments to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
Professor Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs and Project Director of the Africa Climate Collaborative, said the upgraded system significantly enhances the university’s ability to process complex scientific data.
He explained that climate research, in particular, depends on analysing extensive datasets such as rainfall, temperature and humidity records collected over many years, making high-performance computing an indispensable tool for climate modelling and forecasting.
Professor Awandare disclosed that the latest investment follows an earlier $350,000 upgrade completed in 2017, bringing the university’s total investment in high-performance computing infrastructure to $850,000.
While the facility was initially developed to support climate-related research, he said it is now available to researchers in a wide range of disciplines, including health sciences, physics and other fields requiring advanced computational power.
Project Systems Engineer at Oratech Ghana Limited, Daniel Nana Ampomah, said the upgraded infrastructure incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, opening up new opportunities for research and cybersecurity applications.
He added that the system allows lecturers, researchers and students to remotely access advanced computing resources, making it easier to undertake sophisticated research projects without relying solely on standard desktop computers.
The University of Ghana says the new facility is expected to serve as a shared research resource that will strengthen innovation, expand collaboration and support data-driven research across the institution.
