INTERVIEW WITH AFUA BONI

                                       CSIR-RSA HOLDS SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE

                                                                                

            Members at the Conference

                                                               

                                       

                                                                           Staff  listening to representatives at the Conference

•        Strategies to be employed by scientists to enhance productivity
•        The strategies helping to eradicate the challenges associated with the unsustainable ecological systems

BY MATILDA MENSAH

The Research Staff Association of  Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has held its 32^nd  Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the 3^rd Scientific Conference to discuss strategies to drive the country’s development through science and technology.

The event which came off in Accra from October 19^th to 21^st was organized on the theme “Advances In Science, Technology and Innovation for Resilient Food, Health and Ecological Systems”.

At the event, the RSA president Dr. Kwame Oduro said that, scientists can build their knowledge to enhance productivity by sleeping less. Meaning, every research scientist should have the ability to attract funding for their work since funding is a challenge to them. He also emphasized that, scientist should develop the habit of working as a team. This, he said, creates unity and conformity and thereby, reduces delays and procrastination among members.

In his address, the Minister of Environment,  Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Dr. Kwaku Afriyie  who was also the Guest Speaker at the event, urged scientists to  work harder by upgrading themselves and fostering  good relationships among  staff  both within and outside CSIR. He encouraged them to also promote their interest in all spheres of research through discussions, lectures, seminars in all matters of science and technology.

Again, he advised scientists to collectively mobilize resources  to address critical national issues to enhance productivity.

This is because, the strategies  will help in eliminating challenges like urban expansion and transport permission,  galamsey activities, increase in soil and water pollution, increase in temperature, changes in rainfall patterns and crop failures associated with the unsustainable ecological systems.

The Director General Prof. Victor Agyeman, in his contribution, said that  if business continues as usual neglecting science and technology, there will be no chance of saving the country.

Therefore, scientists must build their knowledge on the importance and system of science  and technology and the need for re-thinking approaches to re-shape science, technology and innovation .