Two staff members from the Transport Research and Education Centre Kumasi (TRECK), Dr. Kenneth A. Tutu, a Fellow of TRECK, and Collins A. Nketiah, a Research Assistant at TRECK, KNUST, attended the 9th International Conference on Sustainable Transportation (ICTA). The conference was held at the Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania, from July 29 to July 31, 2024.
The conference, under the theme "Safe, Smart, and Sustainable Transport Systems for Global Economic Growth", brought together academics, researchers, industry professionals, and representatives from international organizations across the globe, including Australia, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Zambia.
This diverse representation fostered vibrant discussions, networking, and potential collaborations.
Dr. Tutu and Mr. Nketiah presented their co-authored paper, which explored the potential of stone matrix asphalt as a viable and sustainable material for transportation infrastructure development in Africa. Their presentation, which aligned seamlessly with the conference theme, was well-received by attendees and sparked engaging discussions on the material's field applicability, durability, and environmental benefits.
The insights shared opened avenues for further research and practical implementation in the region. The paper was subsequently published in both the conference proceedings and the peer-reviewed journal, International Journal of Transportation Technology Transfer in Africa. The conference featured several other presentations, workshops and panel discussions.
A significant highlight of the event was the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of ICTA. The conference, which began in 2014 in Gaborone, Botswana, has grown to become a key platform for advancing sustainable transportation solutions.
TRECK was honored during the celebrations with an award presented to its former Centre Director, Prof. Charles A. Adams, in recognition of the Centre’s contributions to ICTA, including hosting the 3rd edition in 2015. This acknowledgment underscored TRECK's pivotal role in promoting sustainable transport research and education in Africa and beyond.
The conference concluded with a memorable excursion to some of Tanzania’s iconic landmarks, including Mount Kilimanjaro and various national parks. The combination of high-quality academic discussions and cultural experiences made the 9th ICTA a truly enriching event for all attendees.
