The University of Ghana (UG) concluded its month-long commemoration of the 2026 Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa (DSRA) with a high-level panel discussion held on Tuesday, 30th June 2026, at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon. The programme, which was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, was held under the theme "Equitable Development: Research, Collaborate, Empower" and brought together academia, policymakers, development partners, students and industry leaders for a day of scientific discourse, collaboration, mentorship and networking.
The Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa is observed annually on 30th June, following its establishment by the African Union in 1987 to celebrate the continent's scientific achievements and promote development through science, technology and innovation. Since 2022, the University of Ghana has marked the occasion by showcasing its research contributions through academic colloquia, community outreach and innovative exhibitions across its colleges.
This year's celebration coincided with a significant milestone in the University's research journey. Having embarked on a mission in 2014 to become a research-intensive university by 2024, the University has made substantial strides, with research outcomes contributing significantly to policy and national development. The programme marked the 15th anniversary of the formal establishment of the Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID), the body mandated by the University Council to spearhead the University's research agenda, which has evolved into the Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) under the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Innovation and Development). A special edition of the UG Research Report (2024-2025) was launched by the Vice-Chancellor as part of the celebrations.
Events to climax DSRA 2026, were organized in partnership with key stakeholders committed to advancing equitable development through research, collaboration and empowerment. Partners included the Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action, Africa Climate Collaborative, Nkabom Collaborative, the Mastercard Foundation and McGill University, with sponsorship support from Access.
The occasion featured a Vice-Chancellor's Lecture Series delivered by Mr. Balla Moussa Sidibe, Regional Director for West and Central Africa at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), who served as the keynote speaker. Delivering a lecture on the topic, "Africa at a Crossroads: Can Nature-Based Solutions Deliver Climate Resilience, Jobs, Equity and Justice?", Mr. Sidibe observed that Africa stands at the intersection of two defining realities, a climate crisis and a demographic imbalance. He emphasised that the health of the economy cannot be separated from the health of the environment and called for greater investment in nature-based solutions to foster resilience, create jobs and promote inclusive development.
Activities began earlier in the day with a career pathways and mentoring session involving students from Accra Academy, Accra Girls' Senior High School and Presbyterian Boys' Senior High School. The students interacted with experienced professionals and mentors on career pathways, climate sustainability and the role of young people in driving sustainable development.
The morning session also featured an inter-university debate between students of the University of Ghana and the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on the motion: "For Africa's Equitable Development, Research Collaboration Matters More Than Youth Empowerment Programmes." The University of Ghana argued in support of the motion, while UPSA opposed it. Following a spirited exchange of ideas and robust defence of their positions, the University of Ghana emerged victorious. Mr. Sylvanus of the UPSA team was adjudged Best Speaker.
A major highlight of the programme was the high-level panel discussion on the theme, "Equitable Development: Research, Collaborate, Empower." The discussion featured former Pro Vice-Chancellors responsible for the Office of Research, Innovation and Development, Emerita Professor Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu and Professor John Gyapong, as part of activities marking ORID's 15th anniversary. They were joined by the Honourable Samuel Abu Jinapor, Member of Parliament for the Damongo Constituency and former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. The discussion was expertly moderated by broadcast journalist Mr. Alfred Ocansey.
The celebration also featured an elaborate exhibition at the main foyer and grounds of the Cedi Conference Centre, showcasing the breadth of research, innovation and collaboration taking place across the University and its partner institutions. The exhibition displayed an array of published works, research innovations and technological solutions, alongside demonstrations by the Ghana National Fire Service. Students and participants had the unique opportunity to witness first-hand demonstrations of firefighting equipment and engage with exhibitors on the practical application of science, technology and innovation in addressing societal challenges.
The 2026 Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa celebration reaffirmed the University of Ghana's commitment to advancing research excellence, fostering strategic partnerships and empowering the next generation of innovators to contribute meaningfully to Africa's equitable and sustainable development.
