News
2-day workshop on GEII held in Accra
A two-day training workshop on Gender Equality, Inclusivity, and Intersectionality (GEII) has being held in Accra.
The training aimed to equip stakeholders with tools to break these barriers and create an open, diverse, and equitable research environment.
The workshop focused on training participants to recognise unconscious biases, adopt gender-sensitive research methods, and ensure inclusivity in research teams.
The Director of Research, Statistics, and Information Management at the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST), Mr Cephas Adjei Mensah, emphasised that gender considerations should not be treated as side issues but should be central to research and policy-making.
He noted that Ghana’s progress in science, technology, and innovation (STI) depends on ensuring that diverse perspectives were represented.
Mr Mensah stressed that persistent gender gaps in research and evaluation hinder innovation and equitable development.
He said current Gender Equality and Inclusivity (GEI) Project, running from 2023 to 2025, aims to enhance women’s roles in research, expand inclusivity beyond gender, and integrate GEI principles into research design.
“A key aspect of the training was to build the capacity of evaluators to assess research proposals with a gender and inclusivity lens,” he said.
Dr Wilhemina Quaye, Director of CSIR-STEPRI, highlighted the critical funding challenges in research and development in Ghana.
She noted that while the government was supposed to allocate at least one per cent of GDP to research, the current figure stands at only 0.3 per cent.
“This funding gap affects both research institutions and academic bodies, making external support from initiatives like SGCI crucial,” she said.
She emphasized that research is not just about creating knowledge but about engaging with society to find solutions to real-world problems.
Dr Quaye also stressed the importance of science communication, urging the media to help disseminate research findings.
She pointed out that science must not remain in institutions but should be shared with industry players, civil society, and the public to ensure that research innovations are applied in everyday life.
Dr Quaye emphasized that intergenerational knowledge transfer is essential, as the expertise of experienced researchers must not be lost when they retire.
“The integration of young people, women, and underrepresented groups into research teams was identified as a key step towards sustainable development,” she explained
Participants expressed their commitment to integrating GEI principles into their work and ensuring that scientific research in Ghana benefits all sectors of society.
By Agnes Opoku Sarpong
Government has inaugurated a Technical Committee to drive the implementation of the Accra Marine Drive Tourism Investment Project, a key initiative aimed at transforming the capital’s waterfront into a world-class tourism and commercial hub.
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described the move as a critical step to accelerate progress, stressing the need for efficiency, collaboration, and accountability.
The Committee, chaired by Deputy Minister Yussif Issaka Jajah, will coordinate stakeholders, address bottlenecks, and ensure timely delivery of the project.
The initiative is expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to sustainable development.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has stepped up its fire safety education efforts in Suhum Municipality and Abetifi Odwenease as part of ongoing campaigns to prevent fire outbreaks and improve emergency readiness.
In Suhum, fire officers engaged traders and customers, educating them on handling LPG leakages, proper use of fire extinguishers, and general shop safety practices. Meanwhile, the Kwahu East Command extended outreach in Abetifi Odwenease, visiting homes, drinking spots, construction sites, and stores to promote safe handling of flammable materials, proper electrical usage, and correct gas cylinder placement.
Practical demonstrations on fire extinguisher use were conducted, and residents were encouraged to adopt good housekeeping habits and proactive safety measures to reduce fire risks and protect lives and property.
