GHANAIAN MANUFACTUERS CONDOM DISPENSER (PAGE 32, NOV 16)

A Ghanaian entrepreneur has invented a condom vending machine which dispenses condoms when a text message is sent to a short code.
The new technology, according to the inventor, will save people from the embarrassing situation they go through when purchasing condoms at sales points.
The vending machine, which can be mounted at various washrooms in night-clubs, drinking spots and institutions, is to afford people the opportunity to feel at ease when making purchases to complement the Ghana AIDS Commission’s efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
The inventor, Mr Prince Nkrumah, a lecturer in Communication Engineering at the Regional Maritime University (RMU), said the machine, which is the first of its kind in the world, had several advantages over existing systems in other countries.
He said he was inspired to develop the technology because of the uncomfortable situations people went through when they wanted to purchase condoms.
The device, according to him, came with a cashless system that would discourage vandalism among its users.
The machine is also designed to automatically adjust prices in the event of increases in the prices of goods and services and currency change. It can also automatically send inventory status to managers for an efficient and effective stocking system.
“A monitoring system that prevents unauthorised persons from tampering with the technology is also in place to avert vandalism,” he remarked.
He indicated his commitment to collaborate with mobile telecommunication companies operating in the country as part of efforts to control the spread of HIV/AIDS and its related diseases.
Mr Nkrumah said Scancom Ghana Limited, operators of MTN, had agreed to support the idea to control the spread of the disease in the country.
The system can also be installed for canned drinks of all sizes.
He called for support from stakeholders in the manufacturing sector to adopt the technology in order to create jobs to complement government’s efforts at reducing youth unemployment in the country.
He said he had plans to export the technology to other countries across the West African sub-region.