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Research Projects increased from 298 to 311 – CSIR
Prof Paul Bosu, the Director-General of CSIR
Research Projects have increased from 298 last year to 311 by September 2023, the Director General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Prof Paul Bosu has revealed.
Similarly, he added that the number of journal article publications has also increased from 129 in 2022 to 169 by September this year.
However, he indicated that much could not be said of obtaining intellectual property rights and patents which are key outputs of Research and Development noting that a Research and Development policy document has been developed to streamline research activities.
Prof Bosu made these revelations at the 34th Research Staff Association (RSA) Annual General Meeting & and 5th Scientific Conference of CSIR at Kade in the Kwaebibrem district of the Eastern Region.
Held on the theme: “Diversification of agricultural systems: The Role of Tree Crops in Harnessing Ghana’s Economic Potential” the event brought together researchers, development partners, and graduate students from various disciplines to engage in discussions about the diversification of Ghana’s agricultural systems to unlock its economic potential.
Prof. Bosu said the issue of funding continues to be a matter of great concern to CSIR therefore encouraging scientists to continue to explore funding opportunities for research grants.
“I, therefore, urge all of us to step up efforts to do more as at the corporate level, we are working hard through the Grants and Projects Office to facilitate opportunities for researchers” he stated.
He announced the launching of the CSIR endowment Fund next year which is aimed at alleviating some of the difficulties that young scientists face when writing project proposals.
Mr. William Agyapong Quaittoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA), commended CSIR-RSA members for their role and support in research.
He said the tree crop development authority was well positioned to improve the alignment of the CSIR research agenda with market demands through mediating between research institutions, investors, and producer constituencies to ensure that output, products, and technologies were relevant to market needs.
In line with this, he said, the central focus of their activities was to enhance the availability of high-quality planting materials for selected high-potential varieties and corollary services that meet the needs of farmers, investors, and markets.
This entailed fostering supply chains for these materials, especially orchestrating the generation and dissemination of an enhanced supply of seedlings to private nursery operators and the downstream supply of seedlings to producers in concert with corollary services such as grafting and inputs.
The Ghana government had secured 100 million dollars in funding to finance these interventions in the tree crop sector, Mr. Quaittoo added, through the “Ghana Tree Crops Diversification Project.”
He said the interventions focused on strengthening institutions and governance within value chains, enhancing productivity and climate resilience, and providing support for post-harvest management, value addition, and market access.
He further explained that TCDA had allocated $11 million to research activities involving coconut, rubber, and cashew.
The funds he said will be shared among various research institutes, including CSIR-Oil Palm Research Institute, CSIR-Crops Research Institute/ College of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, among others, to support market-driven research proposals.
Again, a significant amount of the fund, totaling over US 30 million dollars, has been designated for the development of high-quality planting material supply chains.
The project is set to commence in November of this year, according to Mr. Quaittoo, and requires thorough market-driven research for successful execution.
Dr. Kofi Ampomah-Benefo, the National President of the RSA, provided an overview of the association’s membership, which consists of the Research and Principal Technologist Grade Staff of CSIR.
He said it was created to be the leading source of information for science, technology, and innovation to support national development.
BY BENEDICTA GYIMAAH FOLLEY
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
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Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
