Panel Discussion to Mark Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa
The University of Ghana (UG) has climaxed the month-long celebrations to mark the Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa with a high-level panel discussion and book launch. All colleges exhibited achievements of UG’s researchers, scientist, and scholars, as a prelude to the main event held at the Great Hall on Friday 30th June 2023. The Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa (DSRA) is marked on 30th June each year in accordance with the resolution of the African Union, passed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in July 1987.
The event, held at the Great Hall was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, under the theme; ‘Nurturing Resilience, Adopting Technology, Embracing Humanism’ which mirrors the University of Ghana’s 75th Anniversary theme.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, Professor Felix Ankomah Asante welcomed panellists and guests including Junior High School (JHS)/Senior High School (SHS) students. He underscored the need to make technology and innovation the catalyst for development to be pivoted by research conducted at the University of Ghana. He highlighted the University’s commitment to supporting this agenda.
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro VC, RID
Panellists included Professor John Effah of the UG Business School, Professor Irene Egyir, Dean of the School of Agriculture, Mr Derry Dean Dadzie, Technology Entrepreneur, Ms Farida Bedwei, a software engineer/disability-rights activist, and Mr Joseph Ofori Owiredu, a graduate student/entrepreneur. The program was moderated by Ms Shamima Muslim, the convenor of Alliance for Women in Media.
The panellists interrogated the relevance of their respective areas of expertise to national development and the role of science and research in shaping the continent’s future. Discussions centred on the human resource potential in Ghana and Africa and the need to tap into home grown talent to develop custom made solutions for development.
The second part of the event featured the launch of e-books authored by faculty of the University of Ghana, as part of the ‘’Building Stronger Universities (BSU)” project, which is sponsored by DANIDA and led by Professor George Obeng Adjei, of the University of Ghana Medical School. The range of books exhibited covered disciplines in Medicine, Humanities and Applied Sciences, and offer valuable insights into the authors’ professional experiences.
After the formal launch, the Vice-Chancellor, stated that the publications presented a unique opportunity for students to learn and apply knowledge in practical ways. The books will be available in electronic form; however, as part of the launch copies were donated to student representatives of Presbyterian Boys SHS, Legon and Mamfe Presbyterian SHS.
Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo (Vice-Chancellor), presenting copies of the books to a student from Mamfe Presbyterian SHS
The event was attended by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Professor Gordon Awandare, Mrs. Bernice Agudu, Director Of Finance, Provosts, and Deans of Colleges. In addition, the Mamfehene and Kyidomhene of Akuapem, Nana Ansah Sasraku III, who is an education advocate, attended the function as a special guest and in solidarity with students from schools which fall within his traditional area.
The DSRA celebrations brought to light the immense contributions of the University of Ghana to national development, stressed that there remained more work in education, that needs to be achieved to realize the vision of the African Union for the liberation of the Continent.
Group photograph with Nana Ansah Sasraku III, Kyidomhene of Akuapem
COLLEGE BASED DSRA EVENTS
College of Basic and Appied Sciences