Protecting the Coast and Heritage of Keta Using Integrated Geophysical Methods

Ghana's coastal region, home to 25% of the population and 70% of industries, faces severe coastal erosion and flooding. Keta is particularly affected, with over 35% of coastal land lost to erosion, threatening lives, ecosystems, and UNESCO heritage sites like Fort Prinzenstein. This project employs a multidisciplinary approach combining historical data analysis, satellite imagery, geophysical surveys, and early warning systems to manage coastal erosion.

The project's four-part approach includes: 1) Coastal erosion hazard assessment using remote sensing and GIS; 2) Subsurface investigation of erosion processes; 3) Development of low-cost tidal measurement systems; and 4) Creation of a mobile-based tidal wave early warning system. Expected outcomes include machine learning algorithms for erosion prediction, low-cost instrumentation, and trained graduate students.

RAGA: An Artificial Intelligence Based System for Predicting Groundwater Availability

Addressing climate change impacts on water resources, this project develops an innovative web-based AI framework for predicting groundwater availability in Ghana. The system integrates spatio-temporal hydrogeological and climate data to create an open-source application for stakeholders and the public.

The project builds a comprehensive database, develops AI algorithms for data integration and prediction, and creates user-friendly tools for groundwater assessment. Outcomes include responsible AI innovation for climate action, increased African research contributions to international AI policy, and capacity building through training of students and water practitioners.

Geophysical Fingerprinting of African Archaeological Sites

Developing a Multi-Method Framework for Characterizing Historical Clay and Mud Structures

This project addresses the challenge of distinguishing between natural soil formations and anthropogenic structures in African archaeological sites, where traditional architecture predominantly used clay and mud-based materials. The research combines laboratory experimentation with field investigations using ground-penetrating radar, electrical resistivity tomography, and magnetic gradiometry.

Through controlled laboratory experiments, the project characterizes the physical properties of traditional building materials under various conditions. The three-year project will deliver a comprehensive database of geophysical signatures, standardized protocols for archaeological surveys, and train a new generation of African scholars in advanced geophysical techniques.

Geomodelling a Coastal Community in Ghana to Generate Place-Based Insight and Solutions for Climate Induced Erosion

This project addresses escalating coastal erosion in Ghanaian communities by integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific approaches using high-resolution data and advanced geospatial technologies (GeoAI, 3D/4D geovisualization, drone imagery).

The project aims to: 1) Develop a detailed geomodel of a coastal community to understand and predict erosion patterns; and 2) Empower local stakeholders, including KNUST faculty, students, and community members, with the skills and tools to utilize and maintain this geomodel for informed decision-making and coastal resilience.

Digging Deep into Ghana's Slavery Heritage

This project systematically investigates sites associated with the trans-Atlantic slave trade in Ghana using state-of-the-art geophysical methods to uncover material relics and locate traces of the trade. While coastal forts and castles are well-documented, this project focuses on under-studied hinterland sites.

The research involves building rock-like specimens for Ground Penetrating Radar testing and generating synthetic numerical subsurface models for comparison with field data. The project addresses multiple Sustainable Development Goals, trains students, and contributes to international archaeo-geophysical studies, promoting greater understanding of Ghana's slave trade history.

Geophysical Studies of Suevite Deposits in the Bosumtwi Impact Crater

This project advances planetary geophysics while promoting awareness among local researchers and aspiring geoscientists about the Bosumtwi Crater's scientific importance.

Specific objectives include: 1) Mapping subsurface structure of suevite deposits to understand impact cratering processes; 2) Training and mentoring students and early-career researchers in West Africa; and 3) Enhancing public awareness through outreach activities about the crater's scientific and cultural significance.

Investigating the Slave Trade in Southeastern Ghana Using Integrated Geophysical Techniques

This project advances geophysics and geoarchaeology while training a new generation of geoscientists through investigations of slavery-related archaeological sites in southeastern Ghana's Three Town area.

The project has two main goals: 1) Training geoscience students in the complete scientific process of geophysical investigations; and 2) Delineating anthropogenic traces to enhance geoarchaeological revelations of the slave trade for scientific excavations.