When I applied for the Capacity Building for Media Excellence in Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) Reportage Workshop, I simply hoped to sharpen my skills in science reporting.
Organized by the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), with funding from the British High Commission and support from Ghana’s Ministry of Science, Environment, and Technology, the workshop promised a timely opportunity to deepen my knowledge. What I never anticipated was that it would take me all the way to the United Kingdom.
On the evening of March 30, 2025, during a dinner hosted by former British High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms. Harriet Thompson, my name was called as one of ten journalists to receive a £1,000 pitch award. That moment marked a turning point.
The pitch award came with an invitation to Imperial College London, one of the world’s leading universities, to complement the training we had received in Accra. There, we would engage directly with scientists, technology experts, and innovators, enhancing our capacity for high-impact science journalism.
That night, as my mind wandered in awe, I was reminded of the boundless potential of human curiosity. Indeed, God works in mysterious ways.
My love for science dates back to my school days at Martyrs of Uganda Roman Catholic (R/C) School — now St. Lwanga JHS — one of the top schools in the Ashanti Region. This passion was nurtured by my science teachers, Mr. Asamoah and Mr. Adu, whose excellent teaching showed how powerful good educators can be. Mr. Adu, though strict, kept me on my toes — I studied hard to avoid his lashes!
Forgive me for not recalling their full names — perhaps age is catching up with me. Just the other day, my church reminded me, per the Methodist Church Ghana’s constitution, that I’m no longer considered a youth.
A Long-Awaited Journey Begins
Preparations began swiftly. We submitted our passport biodata, received visa support documents, and were initially booked to fly with British Airways. However, due to logistical challenges, our flight itinerary was changed to Ethiopian Airlines. While I was initially disappointed, I became excited at the prospect of flying through Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport — one of Africa’s busiest aviation hubs.
On March 22, we departed Accra at 12:20 PM and landed in Addis Ababa at 9:00 PM. As I navigated the terminal and watched throngs of passengers board international flights, I couldn’t help but wonder: How has Ethiopia developed such an efficient aviation sector while Ghana’s national airline has collapsed? Are Ethiopians doing something fundamentally right that we’re missing? These questions stirred deep reflection.
Later that night, after another round of security checks, we boarded our flight to London. As a geography enthusiast, I tracked our journey through the skies — from Eritrea to Libya, Greece, Italy, France, and finally the United Kingdom. The long stretch over the ocean was particularly unsettling.
Touchdown in London
We arrived in London early on Sunday, March 23. The temperature hovered around six degrees Celsius — a sharp contrast to Ghana’s tropical warmth. At immigration, we were questioned thoroughly. It was only after our team presented our documents and our facilitator, Ms. Gifty Hukpati, stepped in to explain our mission that we were cleared for entry.
We collected our luggage and took an electric Volkswagen Uber to our hotel, Park Plaza. Our driver, an Indian national, warmly welcomed us and shared insights into the UK’s economic climate. He cited the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Brexit as key contributors to the recent economic slowdown. He also discussed the high cost of housing in London and the country’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage — a fascinating topic for first-time visitors like us.
Later that day, Mr. Johnson Masagotin Singir, STN Manager at the British High Commission and our group leader, guided us on a brief tour of London landmarks including Trafalgar Square, London Bridge, and Parliament House. I had underestimated the cold and paid the price — shivering along the banks of the River Thames in nothing but a tracksuit.
The UK’s public transport system also left a lasting impression. Unlike in Kumasi or Accra, where fare disputes are common, London’s transport runs on smart cards and strict schedules. It was a reminder that effective systems are the lifeblood of any modern society. The rail lines were efficient — though I noticed passengers rarely responded to greetings. In a rare encounter, some Britons from North London engaged us, admiring the kente bag and apparel worn by two of my ST&I colleagues.
At the Heart of Science and Innovation
The highlight of our visit came the next day — Monday, March 24 — when we arrived at Imperial College London’s White City Campus. Ranked first in Europe and second globally, Imperial is a beacon of scientific excellence. The moment I stepped onto the campus, I noticed inscriptions on the walls that read:
“Curiosity beats Confidence.”
“Science never stands still.”
“Shape the Future.”
These simple yet profound messages made me reflect on how curiosity is treated in African societies. In many homes and classrooms, curious children are often silenced — their questions dismissed or punished. But curiosity is not mischief; it is the foundation of learning and innovation.
The visit affirmed my belief that the human brain is the greatest asset we possess. As the Greek philosopher Plutarch once said, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.”
Insights from Imperial’s Leadership
Our engagement with Imperial’s President, Professor Hugh Brady, was both inspiring and eye-opening. He traced the university’s evolution since its founding in 1907, emphasizing its pillars: science, technology, medicine, and business. He described innovation as part of Imperial’s DNA and stressed the institution’s mission to be of practical use to society, particularly industry.
Professor Brady spoke passionately about the potential for universities in Ghana and across Africa to drive economic growth. He announced the launch of Imperial’s first African hub in Accra — a strategic move to foster research collaboration and policy engagement.
He also discussed the promises and limitations of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and electric vehicles. More importantly, he encouraged us to think beyond job-seeking and embrace entrepreneurship. Students, he said, should be trained to be job creators.
The Way Forward for Ghana
If there’s one lesson I took away from this experience, it is that Ghana must urgently reimagine the role of higher education. Research and innovation must become central to our national development strategy. Our universities must be empowered and funded to solve real problems — from illegal mining and pollution to healthcare and food security.
Everything around us is shaped by science. Yet for too long, our national focus has leaned heavily toward liberal arts education. While important, it must be balanced with investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We cannot build a resilient, forward-looking economy without it.
At Imperial College, I realized that curiosity — not just confidence — fuels innovation. It’s this curiosity that should be nurtured in our schools, supported by national investment, and protected by good policy. If we truly want to transform Ghana, we must ignite the minds of our youth, support science with action — not just speeches — and believe not just in potential, but in purposeful progress.
Ghana must embrace the curiosity of its youth and build systems that nurture innovation. As I stood in the heart of one of the world’s leading scientific institutions, I realized once again: curiosity — not confidence — is what shapes the future.
About the Author
Richard Owusu-Akyaw is a Ghanaian journalist and ST&I enthusiast with a keen interest in science communication and development journalism. He was one of ten awardees selected to participate in a special media training program at Imperial College London in March 2025.
