On March 31, 2026, the Centre of Excellence at Sunyani Technical University (STU) hosted a meeting focused on sustaining, improving, and expanding its electric vehicle training programme. The session was chaired by the Director of STU-CENEVGT, Rev. Eng. Dr. Frimpong Kyeremeh, alongside other lecturers. Present at the meeting was Canadian representative Ms. Nadine Robitaille, Communications Specialist for the International Mobility Program at Universities Canada.
During the discussions, Ms. Robitaille inquired about how solar energy is incorporated into studies at the Centre of Excellence (COE). Rev. Eng. Dr.Frimpong Kyeremeh explained that course materials include modules on solar energy, providing students with foundational knowledge of solar systems. He further noted that the COE has a dedicated research group targeting specific areas to enhance the quality of its programmes.
Ms. Robitaille toured the facility, viewing several projects, including electric motorbikes and an electric bicycle, the centre’s first-ever project. Dr. Ing. Frimpong Kyeremeh highlighted that the electric motorcycles are more cost-efficient and revealed plans to develop an electric wheelchair for persons with disabilities.
An interview with a former student of the Automobile Engineering Department revealed that approximately 20% of students in the programme are female. This encouraging figure reflects STU’s scholarship initiative, which offers a 20% fee discount to female engineering students, thereby promoting women’s participation in engineering.
The meeting also addressed challenges faced by the centre, particularly funding. The COE seeks support from organisations and continues to expand research to strengthen its work. Future plans include the development of two- or three-wheeled electric vehicles. “The centre’s focus is on electric vehicle training, so in the next 5–10 years it will be better equipped to train more individuals and expand to different institutions,” Rev. Eng. Dr. Frank Frimpong stated.
Following the meeting, Ms. Robitaille paid a courtesy call on STU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ing. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah. He expressed optimism that, within the next decade, the Centre of Excellence will be more fully equipped with installations. He praised the centre’s commitment to sustainability, noting that this focus is what excites him most.
Ms. Robitaille concluded by encouraging the COE to elevate its work to attract investors and agencies, while also seeking collaboration with other institutions to broaden its impact.