DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
FACULTY OF BIOCIENCES
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, KNUST
GENERAL LABORATORY EQUIPMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTE OF THE MEETING TO DELIBERATE ON LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
FOR THE DEPARTMENT– FRIDAY, 12TH NOVEMBER, 2021.
VENUE: GF 15, ABOAGYE MENYEH BUILDING
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE
Prof. A. Y. Tetteh
Chairperson
Prof. K. Nsiah
Member
Dr. S. P. Salifu
Member
Dr. L. J. J. Gowans
Member
Dr. Amma Larbi
Member
Mr. Seth Domfeh
Member
Mr. Emmanuel Agyemang Duah
Member
Mr. Julius Narh
Member
Mr. Obed Ofori Amoah
Secretary
1.0 OPENING
The meeting started at 9:24am. An opening prayer was said by the Prof A. Tetteh. The
Chairperson welcomed members and apologized for the delay as the meeting was scheduled to
start at 9:00am. The Chairperson introduced Dr. L. J. J. Gowans, Dr. Amma Larbi, Mr. Seth
Domfeh and Mr. Julius Narh as new members of the General Lab Committee. The Chairperson
stated the purpose of the meeting as to deliberate on laboratory equipment needed for the
programmes offered in the Department.
2.0 BUSINESS OF THE DAY
She presented a list of equipment to committee members which she indicated has been sent to
the Provost of CoS and had been given to Prof. K. Nsiah to review.
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The Chairperson indicated that it is expected of committee members to consider the list of
equipment and make inputs to finalise the list. She stated that she has already spoken to the
Procurement Officer who spoke of an alternative way of purchasing equipment in bulk through
the Public Procurement Act. She also stated that she has contacted some vendors like Biobase.
Dr. Gowans suggested that serological pipettes are needed as well as repeat pipettes. These
were agreed by members and were added to the list.
Mr. Domfeh asked if there are vertical and horizontal gel electrophoresis systems on the list.
Prof. A. Tetteh replied that there was vertical but no horizontal gel electrophoresis system on
the list. She continued that the department has about four of the horizontal gel electrophoresis
system, which are not enough hence additional eight must be purchased.
The Chairperson indicated that aside Biobase, Bioevopeak has also been contacted. Moreover,
she stated that a former student in China is coordinating with the Department in purchasing the
equipment. The student has shared information about the certification and authenticity of
Bioevopeak. The Chairperson stated that the information will be shared with members.
The Chairperson presented documents of invoice of various equipment received from
Bioevopeak, like an analyzer for CAnLab, electrochemical analytical equipment and all kinds
of meters. Members were tasked to go through and select the most appropriate models of
equipment and present in excel sheet.
The Chairperson stated that the Department consider purchasing equipment from India since
prices are fairly affordable and equipment durable. She indicated an Indian vendor who is
willing to help has spoken to the Procurement Director and has sent invoice for Soxhlet
extractor and muffle furnace and fermenter.
The Chairperson indicated that there is amount of 340,000 Ghana cedis available for
purchasing the equipment. Thus, members must put together a list of equipment based on
priority so the first set of equipment can be purchased with the amount available. The list
together with a cover letter will be sent to the Provost and the Procurement Officer.
Dr. Salifu suggested that the available fund is not enough so members must prioritize and
purchase essential equipment.
The Chairperson mentioned other labs like Alpha Lab from India and Inqaba, from which
equipment can be purchased. She stated that Inqaba has sent an invoice list for centrifuge and
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about three or four transilluminators which will be good for the lab can be purchased from
Inqaba. She further stated that some reagents have been ordered from Inqaba which are yet to
be shipped to Ghana.
The Chairperson then welcomed contributions from members
Mr. Julius Narh suggested that members consider purchasing equipment the Department can
make money from like freeze dryer. The Chairperson seconded and added that the Department
can organize short courses during vacations to build capacity and generate funds for repairs
and for purchasing more equipment.
However, Dr. Salifu objected and suggested that, members consider purchasing everyday use
equipment. He stated that basic equipment like water bath, vortex, spectrophotometer, etc must
be purchased first before specialised use equipment.
The Chairperson indicated that funds can be obtained from international student fees to top up
the money available and also the Department can write to the University for support.
The Chairperson asked members to decide on a date to meet to finalise the list of equipment
with prices.
3.0 CLOSING
In the absence of further business, the Chairperson welcomed movement for closure of the
meeting.
Dr. Amma Larbi moved for closure of the meeting and Mr. Emmanuel Agyemang Duah
seconded.
The meeting came to a close with a closing prayer by Mr. Seth Domfeh.
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