Koforidua Poly Invent Fufu Pounding Machine

Mr. Abban standing by the new fufu pounding machine

THE MECHANICAL Engineering Department of Koforidua Polytechnic in the Eastern region has designed a modern fufu pounding machine powered by electricity which is the first of its kind in West Africa.

The machine looks like an oven and has a small wooden rotator which pounds the cooked cassava and plantain into one mass just like the final product prepared with traditional mortar and pestle.

It takes just five minutes for the fufu to be 'pounded' by the machine.

John Abban, a lecturer of the department who led the designing and manufacturing of the machine said the intention is to reduce manpower energy, saliva, sweat contamination and time when pounding fufu with the traditional mortar and pestle.

He said that research into the production of the machine started in 2006.

The invention was shown to journalists at Koforidua during a media interaction by management of the polytechnic.

The rector of the polytechnic Prof. (ING) Reynolds Okai said the Energy System Engineering Department also has 10 cubic meter biogas plant made from cow dung and grasses which is being used by the polytechnic and a 100 liter solar water heater.

He said the department in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and JICA had set up a solar panel at Mampong Nkwanta in the Akuapem North district of the Eastern region to allow people charge their car and phone batteries at highly subsidized fees.

According to him, the polytechnic's mission is to train the required human resource needed in the fields of manufacturing, commerce, science and technology, applied social science and arts in a close partnership with industries.

'Koforidua Polytechnic envisions becoming the leading polytechnic in the country by offering high quality career focused education in skill based training needed for national development,' he said.

Prof. Okai told the media that a new academic programme 'HND Environmental Management Technology' has been introduced and approved by the National Commission on Tertiary Education.

It is currently pending assessment and approval from the National Accreditation Board (NAB), he added.

Prof. Okai said the polytechnic has continued to develop its academic and administrative staff by offering sponsorships at various levels. He assured the media of making Koforidua Polytechnic relevant in the training of graduates for both local and international markets.

 From Ibrahim Obeng-Mensah, Koforidua