The Applied Research Conference in Africa (ARCA) Conference was founded in March 2012 through an initiative of the Cape Coast Polytechnic branch of KNUST Alumni association during its inauguration in March 2011. There is a major challenge of the role of research in developing the continent Africa is a continent where research is seen to be not directly related to development. The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, however, believes that research should contribute to the socio-economic development of the continent. Hence the aim of the APPLIED RESEARCH CONFERENCE IN AFRICA is to provide a platform for capacity building and networking among researchers in Africa. The first ARCA conference took place in Elmina, Ghana, in August 29-3, 2012 the theme of the conference was “THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN NATION BUILDING”. Researchers from Africa including those in Europe and Asia would be presented their scientific papers at the conference. 50 peer-review papers relating to the following disciplines such as engineering, humanities, Science and Commerce were delivered. Two high profile keynote speakers in the person of Professor Wellington Didibhuku Thwala (University of Johannesburg) and a member of the Knust Alumni Association Dr. Gabriel Nani (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology) lectured the researchers and the conference was under the chairmanship of Prof. The Minister of Environment Science and Technology Hon. Sherry Ayitey attended the conference.The conference coordinator is Emmanuel Bamfo-Agyei
ARCA was able to publish its first conference proceeding book at the same period the conference was held. An Association has been formed and it is called Applied Researchers’ Association.
