The University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Community Advocacy Against Poverty (CAAP) to promote the conversion of rice straw and chaff into eco-friendly charcoal. The agreement, signed on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the F.O. Kwami Council Chamber, forms part of CAAP’s “Clear the Air: Raising Awareness to End Rice Straw Burning in Rural Ghana” project.
The collaboration with the Department of Civil Engineering will support the training of farmers, particularly women, in converting rice residues into charcoal for household use and other applications.
The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Maxwell Akple, said the Faculty had been engaging with CAAP on the initiative. He explained that the decision to formalise the partnership through an MoU would provide a clear framework for its implementation.
Speaking on behalf of CAAP, the Project Director, Mr Antonio Gomado, explained that the organisation had been exploring ways of turning rice residues into useful products rather than allowing them to go to waste.
He added that CAAP came across a social media post by HTU’s Women in Engineering (WINE) showcasing the conversion of rice husks into eco-friendly charcoal. The innovation, he noted, inspired the organisation to approach the University for technical collaboration to work together in addressing agricultural waste management and air pollution through innovative solutions.
Welcoming the CAAP delegation, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, commended the organisation for seeking a partnership that aligns with the University’s mandate of research, innovation and community impact.
He noted that while the University continues to generate research and innovative solutions, their impact is best realised when they are extended to communities through collaboration with industry and other stakeholders. He therefore urged both parties to expand the initiative beyond its initial scope to benefit more communities.
