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Boost for RMU’s Research, Innovation Drive
Participants and organisers at the training
The Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Accra has received a significant boost in its efforts to become a leading research and innovation hub, after receiving the Open Researcher and Contributor Identifier (ORCID) Global Participation Fund (GPT).
Essentially, the RMU has been awarded a grant of $19,291.00 to support its participation in the Global Participation Programme. The project, titled “ORCID Adoption in Academic Institutions in Ghana,” will run from now until January 2025.
ORCID is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting openness, trust, and inclusion in the academic and research communities.
As a result of the grant, the RMU last Thursday, has began a nationwide training programme for faculty members, librarians, researchers, graduate, and post-graduate students.
Additionally, the university plans to organise in-person training sessions, workshops, and seminars in collaboration with the Ghana Library Association (GLA) and the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Ghana (CARLIGH). These activities aim to enhance the research visibility of Ghanaian researchers and academic institutions.
During the opening of the training session, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks, the Acting Vice Chancellor for RMU, emphasised that the grant from ORCID’s GPT reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, research, and innovation.
Dr. Brooks expressed gratitude to ORCID for their investments in the future of education and research worldwide. He also commended Dr. Amy Pascalia Abra Asimah, the University Librarian, and Dr. Robert G.M Nyamah, the Head of Research, Consultancy, and Innovation, for their efforts in securing the grant.
“This grant marks the beginning of a new era for RMU, and we aim to win a minimum of two grants per year moving forward,” Dr. Brooks stated.
He added, “This grant aligns perfectly with our mission at RMU, allowing us to play a crucial role in promoting the adoption of ORCID among Ghanaian academic institutions.”
Dr. Abra Asimah, the University Librarian, explained that the project’s objective is to introduce and adopt ORCID to enhance the visibility of research, researchers, and academic institutions in Ghana.
President John Dramani Mahama has visited the Akosombo Dam to assess the impact of a fire incident at a substation operated by the Ghana Grid Company.
The fire is reported to have caused the loss of more than 1,000 megawatts from the national power grid, affecting electricity supply in parts of the country.
During the visit, he inspected ongoing restoration works and received briefings from engineers on efforts to restore power. He commended them for what he described as a swift and professional response to the situation.
According to him, the government remains committed to restoring stable electricity supply as quickly as possible.
He added that steps are also being taken to strengthen the resilience of Ghana’s energy infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Ghana Grid Company has not yet provided a detailed timeline for full restoration, but work is ongoing to bring affected systems back on stream.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, says he and his deputy have publicly filed their annual tax returns to demonstrate leadership and encourage compliance among citizens.
In a facebook post, he explained that the move was meant to show that public officials must lead by example when it comes to fulfilling civic duties.
“Leadership must be demonstrated, not declared,” he said.
He commended Ghanaian taxpayers for their continued contribution to national development, noting that tax compliance plays a key role in sustaining government activities.
According to him, paying taxes is both a legal and moral responsibility. He stressed that all citizens, including public officials, professionals, and businesses, are equal before the law and must meet their tax obligations.
He added that tax revenue is essential for funding key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
The minister praised the Ghana Revenue Authority for its work, especially during the ongoing Tax and Good Governance Month in April. He said the initiative helps to educate the public and promote voluntary compliance.
He urged the authority to intensify public education and continue reforms aimed at simplifying tax processes, reducing compliance costs, and improving transparency.
He further encouraged individuals and businesses that are yet to file their returns to do so promptly, adding that support systems and digital platforms are available to assist them.
He said building a strong tax culture would strengthen the country’s economy, improve accountability, and promote fairness in society.
By: Jacob Aggrey
