This blog is managed by the content creator and not GhanaWeb, its affiliates, or employees. Advertising on this blog requires a minimum of GH₵50 a week. Contact the blog owner with any queries.

Spencer Wan Blog of Saturday, 1 February 2025

Source: Eric Afatsao

A KNUST art education PhD graduate expertly creates a cutting-edge car

Comments (0)

  • Share:
  • WhatsApp
  • Twitter

A PhD graduate in Art Education from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Benjamin Ansah, has created a novel one-seater bicycle automobile in a stunning combination of engineering and art. The revolutionary potential of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education in Ghana is demonstrated by this initiative, which is an example of how creative creativity may be integrated with scientific concepts.


Integrating Technology and Art
Because the visual arts are frequently underappreciated in Ghana, Dr. Ansah was driven to dispel common misconceptions about them. With this project, he wanted to show how important art is for developing technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. His research emphasizes the value of integrating the arts into STEM education and promotes a comprehensive approach to education in which art acts as the common thread that ties all other subjects together.

The Cycle Car's Manufacturing
With remarkable ingenuity and flexibility, Dr. Ansah painstakingly constructed about 85% of the cycle automobile over the course of a year. For the structure, he used galvanized pipes, and for the chassis and suspension, he recycled motorbike supports. The car has a 110cc engine and a number of features, such as parking assistance, an anti-theft system, and a Bluetooth speaker platform. The cycle automobile skillfully combines practicality and creativity, with a top speed of 54 km/h.



The Implications for Education


This initiative is proof of the effectiveness of experiential, project-based learning in developing critical STEAM skills. Through the cycle car's design and construction, Dr. Ansah has shown how theoretical knowledge may be turned into useful, significant solutions. KNUST's Department of Indigenous Art and Technology and the Auto Mechanical Engineering Department have been working together to create multidisciplinary teaching models as a result of the program. It also draws attention to the possibility of children developing their creative, problem-solving, and collaborative skills.

Features of the Cycle Car
The cycle car boasts several innovative features: One-seater design, Bluetooth speaker system, Central locking and anti-theft mechanism, Internal lighting and charging capabilities, Automatic window rollers, Parking assistance, and a Reverse gear functionality.

Constructed using a combination of metal pipes, sheet metal, leather, fabric, and wood, the vehicle exemplifies a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.



A Call for STEAM Education
Dr. Ansah’s achievement underscores the transformative potential of integrating the arts into STEM education. By bridging the gap between art and technology, his work advocates for a more holistic approach to learning, preparing students to tackle modern challenges with creativity and technical expertise.

This project not only challenges misconceptions about the visual arts but also serves as an inspiration for educational institutions in Ghana to adopt STEAM as a core teaching approach, fostering innovation and comprehensive skill development among students.