CSIR Research Staff Association Convenes 36th Annual General Meeting

CSIR Research Staff Association Holds 36th Annual General Meeting

The Research Staff Association (RSA) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) recently held its 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) to review past achievements, evaluate progress, and elect new executives to lead its initiatives for the next two years (2025-2027). The event took place at the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) in Nyankpala, near Tamale, and brought together a diverse group of attendees, including directors of CSIR institutes, RSA members, executives, and research and development partners from across the country.

The AGM was themed “Accelerating Resilience for Food and Nutrition Security in Ghana: The Role of Transformative Research, Development and Partnerships.” This theme focused on enhancing resilience in food and nutrition security through targeted research, innovation, and collaborative partnerships. The discussions emphasized the importance of addressing challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and poverty through science and technology.

The CSIR is Ghana’s leading scientific research institution, comprising 13 institutes dedicated to various areas of research, including water, crops, food, animal, and industrial studies. During the meeting, Professor Paul Bosu, the Director-General of CSIR, reiterated the Council’s commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation to drive socio-economic development. He highlighted the critical role of research and innovation in tackling issues like food insecurity, climate change, and poverty, and called for stronger collaboration between CSIR, industry, and development partners.

Dr Daniel Ashie Kotey, Director of the CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, urged the nation’s research community to adopt resilient-focused agricultural strategies to address global threats such as climate change and pandemics. He advocated for transformative research, cross-sector collaboration, and cost-effective innovations to sustain food systems. Additionally, he encouraged scientists to utilize proven technologies and phase out outdated methods.

Dr Francis Kusi, Director of CSIR-SARI, expressed gratitude to the RSA for choosing SARI as the host of the AGM and commended the high level of participation. He noted that CSIR-SARI has undergone significant transformation, becoming one of the most vibrant and attractive research institutes within the CSIR system.

Dr Shadrack Kwadwo Amponsah, the outgoing National President of the RSA, called on the media to highlight the impact of illegal mining on food and nutritional security. He pointed out that illegal mining poses a major threat to farmlands, water bodies, and rural livelihoods. He mentioned that CSIR scientists are implementing research-based solutions such as land restoration, afforestation, and climate-smart agriculture, and urged traditional authorities and civil society to support these efforts in protecting the environment for future generations.

As part of the AGM, participants visited the CSIR-SARI Technology Park, an innovation hub established at Nyankpala to showcase and promote the practical adoption of SARI-developed agricultural technologies. The park serves as a demonstration center where farmers, students, and extension agents are trained in modern, sustainable agricultural practices.

Mr Mark Anthony Taylor, Chairman of the CSIR Governing Council, stated during an interview with the media that the Council is touring all 13 of its research institutes and stations to assess progress and challenges. He described the CSIR-SARI Technology Park as critical to the government’s poverty reduction agenda and emphasized the central role of CSIR in agricultural transformation and climate resilience. He also appealed for increased government funding to support research, infrastructure, and staff motivation, adding that CSIR is working to boost internally-generated funds and build partnerships with international agencies.