The Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa (DSRA) marked on 30th June each year, was declared by the African Union in 1987, as a day to celebrate the contribution of African Scientist to the Continent’s development. Since 2022, the University of Ghana (UG) has actively participated in DSRA celebrations to showcase the immense contributions of UG faculty to science and development.

Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo – Vice Chancellor

This year the University climaxed a month-long celebration with an event featuring keynote speakers and a panel discussion under the theme: Galamsey; Preserving the Environment, Protecting our Future. The event was held on 28th June 2024, at the Cedi Conference Centre (UG) and was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo. In attendance were members of UG’s senior management i.e Prof. Gordon Awandare (Pro VC (ASA)), Prof. Samuel Cudjoe, Provost (College of Education), Mrs Bernice Agudu (Director of Finance), Mrs Emelia Adjei-Mensah (Registrar) as well as faculty, students, staff and public interest groups. The moderator was Mrs Joyce Sackitey-Ahiadorme a public relations professional.

Prof. Appiah Amfo reiterated UG’s commitment to institutionalizing the DSRA celebrations, referencing the excellent display of scholarship at college level during the month of June. She emphasized the need for academia to engage stakeholders to address the dangers of illegal mining. The Vice-Chancellor cited a report produced by the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) which linked galamsey to high levels of pollution in Ghana’s water bodies, underscoring the negative impact of the practice of illegal mining. 

Prof. Felix A. Asante – Pro VC (RID)

The Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, who welcomed all present, stated that it was imperative that citizens recognize the threat of illegal mining to their livelihood and encouraged everyone to contribute in any way possible to halt the practice of illegal mining. He highlighted the significance of UG’s engagement with local communities and the impact of research outcomes and recommendations aimed to improve livelihoods.

Keynote Speakers

Keynote speakers included; Prof. Benedict Nii Laryea Calys-Tagoe and Prof. Richmond Aryeetey of the School of Public Health and Prof. Benedicta Fosu-Mensah from the Institute of Environment & Sanitation Studies (IESS). They presented research findings from galamsey endemic areas detailing the impact of the practice on health, soil, air and food systems. Research they had carried out to assess pollution in areas in the Eastern Region of Ghana showed substantial levels of mercury and cyanide in water bodies, both cancer causing pollutants. Each speaker shared harrowing photographs of the devastation to the environment and spoke at length about the negative social impact of galamsey on the youth in communities where governance, law and order are compromised. They traced the historical antecedents of illegal mining in Ghana to 1992 and offered constructive solutions to eradicate the practice, stating that strong political will is required to implement the solutions proffered.  

 Panel Discussants

The panel assembled to interrogate the issue of galamsey was made up of Prof. Chris Gordon – IESS, Prof. Gladys Nyarko Ansah - Department of English, Mr Bright Frimpong – PhD candidate in Environmental Science.  Other panelists were Mr Erastus Asare Donkor – Multimedia Group and Mr Kingsley Amoakwa Boadu of Amoakwa-Boadu & Osei-Mensah Law Consult. 

The panelists provided an overview of their research and advocacy work with mining communities across the country. They engaged the audience in profound discussions on the complexities and dynamics of illegal mining, highlighting the stark reality that no citizen is spared from the repercussions of galamsey. 

Prof. Nyarko Ansah stressed the importance of educating local communities in a language form that resonates with their tradition and consciousness as a deterrent to engaging in the illegal practice. 

The Vice-Chancellor charged all stakeholders to be consistent in advocating for an end to the cycle of illegal mining, cautioning that ‘we can’t afford to get tired’. 

The programme was preceded by an exhibition at which UG’s scientific inventions, products and produce were on display. 

In closing, the Director of Public Affairs, Dr (Mrs) Elizier Ameyaw-Buronyah thanked the speakers, panelist and participants on behalf of management of the University. 

UG Officials with Achimota SHS Students

Group Photograph