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By Elizabeth Abban

Nyankpala (N/R), October 25, GNA – The Research Staff Association (RSA) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) conducted its 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) to review accomplishments, analyze developments, and select new leaders to guide its activities over the next two years (2025-2027).

The annual general meeting this year, organized by the CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) in Nyankpala, close to Tamale, was joined by directors of CSIR institutions, RSA members, RSA officials, and research and development collaborators across the country.

The theme was: “Accelerating Resilience for Food and Nutrition Security in Ghana: The Role of Transformative Research, Development and Partnerships,” highlighting the importance of strengthening resilience in food and nutrition security via focused research, creativity, and joint collaborations.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research is the nation’s premier scientific research organization, comprising 13 institutes focused on water, agriculture, food, livestock, and industrial studies.

Professor Paul Bosu, the head of CSIR, expressed during the annual meeting his commitment to promoting science, technology, and innovation for the sake of economic and social development.

He highlighted that research and innovation play a crucial role in tackling food insecurity, climate change, and poverty, and called for increased cooperation among CSIR, the private sector, and development stakeholders.

Dr. Daniel Ashie Kotey, Director of the CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, called on the country’s research community to implement agriculture strategies that prioritize resilience in tackling climate change, pandemics, and other worldwide challenges.

He promoted research that brings about change, cooperation across different sectors, and real-world, affordable innovations to maintain food systems.

He urged researchers to implement established technologies and discontinue outdated ones.

Dr. Francis Kusi, head of CSIR-SARI, thanked the RSA for choosing the institution as the venue and praised the significant level of involvement.

He mentioned that CSIR-SARI has experienced a major change, emerging as one of the most dynamic and appealing research institutions within the CSIR network.

Dr. Shadrack Kwadwo Amponsah, the former National President of the RSA, called on the media to emphasize the effects of illegal mining on food and nutrition security.

He mentioned that unauthorized mining poses a significant risk to agricultural areas, water sources, and rural ways of life.

He mentioned that CSIR researchers are implementing research-driven solutions like land rehabilitation, tree planting, and climate-friendly farming, and urged traditional leaders and civil society to assist them in preserving the environment for coming generations.

As part of the annual general meeting, attendees toured the CSIR-SARI Technology Park, an innovation center located in Nyankpala designed to demonstrate and encourage the real-world application of SARI-created agricultural technologies.

The Park functions as a training hub where farmers, students, and extension workers learn about contemporary, eco-friendly farming methods.

Mr. Mark Anthony Taylor, Chairman of the CSIR Governing Council, stated in a media interview that the Council is visiting all 13 of its research institutes and stations to evaluate advancements and difficulties.

He characterized the CSIR-SARI Technology Park as essential to the government’s efforts to reduce poverty, noting that CSIR has a key role in agricultural development and climate adaptation.

He requested higher government financial support to aid research, infrastructure development, and employee morale, mentioning that CSIR is striving to enhance its self-generated resources and establish collaborations with global organizations.

GNA

Edited by Eric K. Amoh and Benjamin Mensah