(From L-R: Prof. Nancy O. Quarshie, Prof Gordon Awandare, Dr Clementine Odoi (Thesis Award Winner) Prof Felix A. Asante)
The University of Ghana (UG) climaxed the 2025 Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa (DSRA) celebrations with a university-wide exhibition and high-level panel discussion on Friday, June 27, at the Cedi Conference Centre. Under the theme “Climate Sustainability: Innovate, Safeguard, Prosper,” the event showcased the vital role of science innovation, intellectual property (IP), and collaboration in tackling climate challenges.
Observed annually on June 30, DSRA was established by the African Union in 1987 to celebrate the continent’s scientific achievements and promote development. Since 2022, UG has observed DSRA showcasing the University’s contributions through academic colloquia, community outreach, and innovative exhibitions across colleges.
The 2025 DSRA celebration was held in partnership with UG-Nkabom, UG-CCRES (in partnership with Mastercard Foundation) and ISSER. Other sponsors include Tɛkkyerɛma Pa, Centre for Teaching & Learning Innovation (CTLI), the I-Never-Rest Project, Prof. Kwasi Torpey, the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC), the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Prof. Yaw Afrane (West African Mathematical Modeling Capacity Development Consortium (WAMCAD).
An elaborate exhibition in the main foyer and grounds of the Cedi Conference Centre became a hub of innovation; on display were an array of published works, medical interventions, aeronautical displays (by the Ghana Armed Forces), fresh farm produce, agri-food technologies and climate-smart/renewable energy solutions.
The panel discussion was based on the theme “Transforming Ideas into Impact: The Role of IP in Climate Sustainability Innovations.” Moderated by Prof. Duah Dwomoh, Head of Biostatistics at the School of Public Health. The panel included Prof. Chris Gordon, Ambassador of the Earth Commission and an expert in freshwater governance, pollution control, Prof. Simon Bawakyillenuo, Associate Professor of Human Geography at Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research ISSER and Head of Statistics & Survey; Ms. Paulina Addy, Director of Women in Agricultural Development at the Ministry of Food & Agriculture, and Mrs. Diana Owusu Antwi, Snr Research Development Officer at the Research and Innovation Directorate, and Head of intellectual property, commercialization and technology transfer initiatives. The discussions focused on a range of topics, including inclusive climate action and research, the socioeconomic implications of climate change, climate-smart innovations in agri-food systems, and safeguarding climate-related innovations.
The proceedings opened with remarks from Prof. David Dodoo-Arhin, Director for Research and Innovation (UG), who emphasized the urgent need to convert scientific discoveries into practical climate action. Prof. Gordon A. Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo stressed the importance of partnerships across academia, government, and the private sector. The representative of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Mrs. Eunice Lawer, highlighted the critical role of intellectual property protection in fostering climate innovation and national prosperity.
The panelists shared insights on integrating science, policy, and IP frameworks to accelerate climate resilience and ensure equitable access to innovation.
Prof David Dodoo-Arhin, Director (Research and Innovation) RID
Engaging the Audience with Drama and Dialogue
The School of Performing Arts captivated the audience with a dramatic performance titled “Innovation, IP and the Climate Future,” which creatively illustrated the significance of intellectual property rights and encouraged students to actively protect their research outputs.
Recognizing Africa’s Emerging Scientific Leaders
The event celebrated the achievements of outstanding students whose thesis were deemed to be innovative and development oriented. They were presented with awards of recognition by the Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante. Mr Wisdom Mensah was the undergraduate winner for his development of plant-based meat alternatives through his business venture, Magna Foods. The master’s level award went to Ms Peace Semekor Adegbenu, founder of Agri-Intern Ghana, who has been instrumental in addressing critical knowledge gaps in post-harvest management. Dr. Clementine Odei received the PhD award in recognition of her work as the founder of Total Mentorship Global, where she advances mentoring and leadership development initiatives in universities.
Prof Felix A. Asante, Pro Vice Chancellor (RID) presenting thesis award/ Prof Elsie Kaufmann
The 2025 DSRA celebration marked another successful showcase of African scholarship and reflects UG’s commitment to harnessing science, innovation, and intellectual property as tools for climate sustainability and development. Through collaboration and community engagement, the University continues to push the frontiers of African science.