Kosmos Innovation Center commissions state-of-the-art KIC Center of Excellence in Ejisu

The Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) has inaugurated its state-of-the-art KIC Center of Excellence at Akyawkrom in the Ejisu Municipality of the Ashanti Region, marking a major milestone in Ghana’s drive toward homegrown technological innovation.

The facility, designed to nurture young innovators and promote practical problem-solving, aims to advance Ghana’s industrial and agricultural transformation through technology-driven solutions.

Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director of KIC, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement in the Center’s mission to turn ideas into impactful, real-world innovations that contribute to national development.

“The future of innovation in Ghana will be built by Ghanaians, in Ghana, for Ghana and for Africa,” he declared.

The new Hardware Center of Excellence features six specialized laboratories — the Food Innovation Lab, Electronics Lab, Mechatronics Lab, Computer Design Lab, Metal Fabrication Lab, and Woodwork Lab — each supporting a distinct stage of product design and development.

Together, these labs form a complete ecosystem where innovators can design, prototype, and manufacture solutions tailored to Ghana’s economic needs. Mr. Gyan-Kesse noted that the Center will serve KIC startups as well as students, entrepreneurs, and innovators across the country, providing access to modern tools, technical expertise, and collaborative workspaces.

He expressed gratitude to Kosmos Energy and the Mastercard Foundation for their continued partnership and strategic support in advancing KIC’s vision.

The commissioning took place ahead of the KIC School Farm Competition Awards, scheduled for November 14 in Kumasi, which celebrates innovation in agriculture and promotes agribusiness as a path to dignity, creativity, and prosperity for Ghanaian youth.

“Together, let us make innovation the heartbeat of Ghana’s progress,” Mr. Gyan-Kesse concluded.

Representing President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, commended KIC and its partners for their visionary initiative. He described the Center as “an expression of commitment that will illuminate the path for generations to come” and praised it as “a beacon of partnership, innovation, and youth empowerment.”

Highlighting the government’s commitment to youth-focused development, the Minister said the Mahama administration continues to implement policies that create enabling environments for young people to thrive.

“This agenda calls for systems that nurture creativity, equip minds for self-reliance, and turn vulnerabilities into victories. At the heart of this vision stands the KIC Center of Excellence — a pioneering force that turns vision into reality,” he stated.

He added that KIC’s mission is “clear and compelling — to power innovation, transform communities, and impact lives,” noting that the Center offers young people a safe and creative space where curiosity is encouraged and failure is viewed as a stepping stone to success.

In his remarks, Nana Joe Mensah, Board Chairman of KIC, reaffirmed confidence in the creativity and ingenuity of Ghana’s youth.

“The establishment of this Center stands as a powerful statement that Ghana’s young people have the creativity, intellect, and drive to design and build solutions for the nation’s future,” he said.

He described the commissioning as “the unveiling of new opportunities for Ghana’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and students to transform imagination into innovation and innovation into tangible impact.”

The event brought together dignitaries from government, academia, and industry, alongside young innovators, underscoring Ghana’s growing position as a hub for innovation and youth-driven transformation.