The Minister of Communications, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu has stated that the use of outmoded methods in the management of the radiospectrum in Africa will be inadequate to cope with the demands of the future without constant research. He has therefore congratulated the African University College of Communications (AUCC) for the pioneering role the University has played in establishing   the first-ever Centre for Radiocommunications Research and Development in Africa.

Hon. Iddrisu made this statement at the launching of the Centre at the Discovery House Campus of AUCC at Adabraka, Accra.  He explained that it was only through proper research and development that continued access to the radio spectrum - a precious natural resource - could be assured to meet future unforeseen requirements. He therefore called for more research on radiocommunications to be conducted by Africa’s institutions and industries.

The chairman for the occasion, Prof. Alex Quarmyne,  Acting  Chairman of AUCC’s Governing Council, and CEO of Ada Community Radio Project, lauded the establishment of the Centre  by AUCC  and stated that the  creation of the Research Centre will highly contribute in changing the  perception that  Africans  are just  passengers  on the new  information Highway. The President of AUCC stated in his remarks read on his behalf by Prof. Reginald Jackson, Vice President (Academic) that the Centre will usher AUCC into a new fraternity that will enhance AUCC’s mission to contribute to the socio-economic development of the continent.

The Director of the Centre, Major J.R.K. Tandoh in his presentation gave a presentation entitled “Harnessing the potentials of radiocommunications to enhance national development”. He also called on the Ministry of Communications to consider the institution of a laboratory to test the effect of the radiowaves that emanated from the radio spectrum on Ghanaians.  He also advised on the creation of a National Radio Advisory Technical committee by the Ministry.