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Dr Francis Boateng Agyenim, leading solar energy, research conversation in Ghana
Dr Francis Boateng Agyenim
DR Francis Boateng Agyenim, Director of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Industrial Research (CSIR-IIR), has over the past years led the advocacy for the utilisation of research and solar energy to transform Ghana’s economy.
Responsible for the day-to-day administration of Ghana’s foremost industrial research and development institute whose mandate is to drive national development and global competiveness in industry through scientific and technological research, Dr Agyenim has led several conversations and supported innovations aimed at making Ghana a research hub in Africa and the world at large.
He is also vocal on solar energy, believing it represents Ghana’s future and Ghanaian industries, and the government must take advantage of same to foster growth.
Born in Asikasu, a village seven miles away from Dormaa Ahenkro in the Bono Region, young Agyenim started his basic school at Asikasu No.1 where he combined education with farming in order to make ends meet.
Steadily, Agyenim gained his Middle School Living Certificate in 1984 at age of 15 before joining the Dormaa Senior High School from 1984-1989 for his O-level certificate.
He then moved to Osei Kyerekwie Senior High School (OKESS) in Kumasi (1989-1991) and later to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 1998 where he studied Metallurgical Engineering to begin his research journey.
Before completing university, Dr Agyenim secured a job at AshantiGold before moving to Sankofa Gold in Prestea for two years. He travelled to Germany to do his Masters in Energy Conversion and Management in 2000 where he also secured a job in the solar industry for a year to launch his interest in solar energy.
He later moved to the UK where he worked and had a PhD in Solar Energy Engineering. Dr Agyenim also taught in three other universities in the UK-Cardiff, Ulster and Nottingham Universities.
Dr Agyenim moved back to Ghana in 2012 to head the Ghana Technology University College (GTUC) in 2012 as the Dean of Graduate School for four years.
While at GTUC, Dr Agyenim created a system of dual accreditation where Coventry University and other universities were partnering GTUC to teach foreign programmes in Ghana with students issued dual certificates. His key responsibilities included teaching and conducting cutting-edge research in renewable energy systems and sustainable energy technologies as well as some administrative functions as Course Director.
He also worked as Lead Consultant in several research and development projects and moved to CSIR-IIR in October 2016 as Director till date.
Dr Agyenim has consulted for several organisations on sustainable energy related projects and supervised installation of several solar PV systems in Ghana and Germany. He has over the last five years led the training of 2,900 professional electrical engineers/electricians on how to install and maintain solar systems.
He currently serves on several University and Management Boards including University for Development Studies (UDS) Council, Ghana Nuts Management Board, National Biosafety Authority Management Board, Nursing and Midwifery Council Management Board and CSIR Boards.
Dr Agyenim has developed and implemented several innovations, including the Zero Waste Disposal concept (ZeWaD), the CSIR Industrial Innovation Hub (i2-Hub) and novel solar powered absorption cooling system. He has to his credit several peer reviewed articles in the subject area of renewable and alternative energies, including guidelines document for the integration of solar powered absorption cooling systems into buildings and integrated wastewater and faecal sludge management for Ghana.
“Solar is the future and Ghanaians must begin to invest in solar. Interestingly, the solar availability in Ghana cannot be compared to countries where solar is popular like Germany,” he stated.
Thankfully, he said, with the support of Ghana Skills Development Fund, since 2015, nearly 3,000 certified electricians are currently dotted across the country, equipped to install solar professionally as the challenge had always been with the technicalities involved in the installation.
“The quality of panels have improved and could last for over 20 years as compared to the past. Solar at the moment is very robust and indigenous Ghanaian companies must take advantage as done by their foreign counterparts. Currently at the commercial scale, one can break even in five years,” he stressed.
“If the government can dedicate funds into putting solar on all public buildings, in the country to store power, it make the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) profitable. ECG should also begin to buy roofs of companies to store solar and sell it back to them. An average company owner is only interested in seeing their electricity reduced,” he suggested.
With his core mandate at the CSIR-IIR, they conduct research and develop products materials and manufacturing, engineering designing and prototyping, calibration and testing, sanitation and environmental management and emerging engineering technology using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop products as well as melt metals and building of all parts of machines, among others.
“The difficulty is that the government has not invested into research and for Ghana to benefit from research immensely, there is the need to define an annual area of research and allow organisations to compete and solve societal problems,” he advocated.
That notwithstanding, he led the CSIR-IIR to chalk successes in the areas of Agriculture as their research improved yields of maize, rice, beans and yam in Ghana.
“It is important to find businesses to pick up CSIR-IIR outputs and form partnerships to manufacture the products. I am very keen on how we advance market-ready products sitting on the shelves into business to benefit society,” he mentioned.
He also works as the Chairperson of the National Innovation Challenge and believes that Ghana must be intentional about its development with research and academia, government and business working together to develop the country.
Following his outstanding works, the CSIR-IIR has won several awards including the Ghana Energy Awards for Energy Organisation of the Year-Public and Novel Deployment of Renewable Energy Technology Award in 2018 and 2022 respectively.
Dr Agyenim is married and blessed with five daughters, and loves farming on weekends.
By Michael D. Abayateye
In a world where stories shape perceptions and influence change, Michelle Eyram Yorgbe, stands out as a compelling voice dedicated to using media as a tool for transformation.
An accomplished journalist and filmmaker, her journey is one marked by excellence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to social impact.
Eyram’s story begins at Mawuli Secondary School, where her passion for the arts and communication first took root.
Even at a young age, she exhibited a deep curiosity about the world around her and a desire to tell stories that matter. This early interest would later blossom into a purposeful career in media and storytelling.
Her academic path led her to the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), where she pursued a Diploma in Film Directing and Script Writing.
At NAFTI, Eyram honed her creative instincts, learning to craft narratives that not only entertain but also educate and inspire.
Her training laid a strong foundation, equipping her with the technical and artistic skills needed to excel in the dynamic world of film and media.
Driven by a desire to engage more deeply with public discourse, Eyram continued her education at the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC-IFT), where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism.
Her dedication and discipline quickly set her apart. She graduated with First Class Honours and was named the Overall Best Student of UniMAC-IFT in 2024, a remarkable achievement that underscored her commitment to excellence.
But she’s not one to rest on her laurels. After that feat, Eyram advanced to the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ) for her Master’s degree in Journalism. Once again, she distinguished herself academically, graduating as the Valedictorian of her cohort with an outstanding Final Grade Point Average of 3.94.
“It’s a big honour to graduate as the Overall Best Graduating student with an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.94 in the MA in Journalism,” she shared her joy with The Spectator.
“What makes it even more beautiful was coming out as the Valedictorian on two occasions. I am so proud. This would, however mean nothing without a direct impact of this on society,” she said.
Her academic journey reflects not only intellectual brilliance but also a relentless pursuit of growth and impact.
In 2025, Eyram’s excellence gained international recognition when she was selected for further studies in Norway through a partnership between UniMAC-IJ and NLA University College under the Erasmus Mundus Mobility Programme.
This opportunity marked a significant milestone, allowing her to expand her horizons, engage with global perspectives, and refine her craft on an international stage.
Yet, beyond her impressive academic achievements, what truly defines Eyram is her heart for service.
She is deeply committed to advocacy and social development, particularly in championing gender equity and supporting marginalised communities.
Her passion for making a difference has seen her actively involved in community initiatives that bring tangible change to people’s lives.
As a volunteer with the Ghanaian Heritage Organisation, an NGO founded by members of the Ghanaian diaspora, Eyram played a pivotal role in community development projects across the Volta Region. Notably, she contributed to efforts that provided boreholes to underserved villages, bringing clean and accessible water to communities in need.
As the organisation’s only member based in Ghana, her role was both unique and impactful, bridging the gap between local needs and diaspora support.
Her commitment to social change is further reflected in her role as a co-founder of the Dreams Impact Foundation, an initiative she established alongside her sisters.
Through this foundation, Eyram has offered support to vulnerable groups by distributing sanitary products to schoolgirls and prison inmates, while also providing essential items to widows in disadvantaged communities.
These acts of compassion demonstrate her belief that storytelling must go hand in hand with action.
Outside her professional and humanitarian work, Eyram is an avid reader and a lover of films. These passions continue to enrich her perspective, shaping her understanding of narratives and reinforcing her dedication to telling stories that resonate and inspire.
As she steps into the next phase of her journey, she remains steadfast in her mission—to use journalism and storytelling as powerful tools for advocacy, social transformation, and amplifying the voices of the unheard.
Her story is not just one of personal success, but of purpose, a reminder that when talent meets passion and service, the result is truly transformative.
Indeed, Eyram is not only telling stories; she is changing lives, one narrative at a time through storytelling and service.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
In the world of sports, athletes often take center stage while the role of officials remains equally critical, yet less celebrated.
One Ghanaian is steadily changing that narrative. He is Aziz Adimah, a dedicated hockey umpire whose journey from the school field to the international arena reflects passion, resilience, and purpose.
Aziz Adimah’s story with hockey began during his secondary school days. Introduced to the sport in his second year by a peer tutor, what started as a casual interest quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment.
After completing school, he continued playing actively, but by 2008, he made a defining decision to pursue officiating seriously.
That decision marked the beginning of a remarkable turn in his sports journey.
While many athletes aspire to reach the pinnacle as players, Aziz recognised a different path to longevity and impact in the sport. According to him, playing careers especially at the national level can be short-lived, often limited to a few major tournaments.
Officiating, however, offered a broader horizon.
Through umpiring, Aziz found an opportunity not only to stay connected to the sport but also to rise through the global ranks. His dedication has since earned him a place on the international stage, where he proudly represents Ghana.
One of Aziz’s greatest motivations is the honour of representing his country internationally. Having officiated in global competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, he describes the experience as both humbling and inspiring.
Among his most memorable moments was officiating a high-intensity match between Pakistan and England during a World Cup qualifying tournament.
The pace, skill, and tactical depth of the game left a lasting impression on him and reinforced his passion for the profession.
“Being alone on that stage, representing your country is a special kind of pride,” he reflects.
Like every profession, umpiring comes with its own set of challenges. For Aziz, two stand out: logistics and performance expectations.
Unlike players who often benefit from structured team support, umpires must sometimes navigate limited resources, including travel logistics. Additionally, officials are expected to perform at standards higher than the level of play in their home countries which required constant learning, exposure, and adaptation to global trends.
Another major challenge lies in decision-making under pressure. Aziz recounts a particularly difficult moment when, as a video referee, he had to review footage and make a call that resulted in a player receiving a yellow card and a ten-minute suspension.
“In such moments, you know that if you get it wrong, it affects the entire game,” he explains.
Umpiring demands sharp judgment, often within split seconds. Aziz emphasises that fans and players must understand the intensity of this responsibility.
“The umpire processes everything in a split second. Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you don’t but the pressure is always there.”
Fortunately, he highlights the strong support system within the hockey hierarchy; from coaches to technical teams which provides room for reflection, learning, and growth.
Beyond officiating, Aziz is deeply committed to developing hockey in Ghana.
He runs an academy that focuses on nurturing young talent, with programmes for both youth and university students.
Currently, the academy trains players under 20 and is expanding its reach within tertiary institutions.
His goal is to build a strong pipeline of talent while also promoting officiating as a viable pathway in the sport.
However, he notes a significant gap in female participation, particularly in umpiring.
Efforts are underway to intentionally recruit and mentor more women into officiating roles, including collaborations with schools and international professionals.
Outside the hockey field, Aziz maintains a professional career, balancing work responsibilities with his demanding schedule as an umpire.
He credits his workplace –Promasidor Ghana Limited, for being supportive, allowing him to travel for international assignments.
Despite the challenges, he considers hockey not just a profession, but a form of leisure; something he genuinely enjoys.
Currently serving on the international panel just below the elite level, Aziz is determined to climb higher.
His immediate goal is to secure the required assessment scores to qualify for the top-tier panel, which would enable him to officiate at prestigious events such as the World Cup and the Olympic Games.
Driven by ambition, he hopes to become one of the first Ghanaian umpires to reach that level.
To young people considering a career in hockey officiating, Aziz offers both encouragement and realism. While the profession may not yet provide full financial security, it offers exposure, growth, and the chance to make a mark globally.
With structural improvements expected in international hockey, he believes the future holds greater opportunities for umpires worldwide.
A husband and father of two, Aziz Adimah embodies balance, discipline, and vision. His journey is not just about personal achievement but about elevating Ghana’s presence in international hockey.
Through every whistle blown and every decision made, he continues to inspire a new generation proving that sometimes, the most powerful impact in sports comes not from scoring goals, but from ensuring the game is played right.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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