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Research findings must provide solutions to societal problems –Chief of Staff
The Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, has urged researchers to move beyond research findings and focus on translating knowledge and innovation into practical solutions.
According to him, applied research must identify societal needs and focus on producing solutions to address them.
He made the call in a speech read on his behalf by Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, Presidential Advisor on National Resilience and Emergency at the opening of the Second Applied Research Conference of Accra Technical University (ARCATU) in Accra.
The conference, held on the theme: ‘‘Applied Research and Innovation for Sustainable and Resilient Development in an Era of AI,” brought together researchers, academics, government representatives, industry practitioners and development partners.
“Our main challenge is moving these ideas into use. We must become better at taking knowledge from the university and placing it where it can make a difference,” Mr Debrah explained.
The Chief of Staff also urged stakeholders to harness artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly to support national development, stressing that the focus should be on using the technology to create value and improve the lives of citizens.
He said AI systems must protect personal information, respect citizens’ rights and take into consideration Ghana’s languages, culture and local circumstances.
He advocated partnerships that would provide students and researchers with practical training, access to equipment, mentorship and opportunities to work on real industry challenges.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Felix Kutsenadzie, who opened the conference said AI had become an important tool in addressing emerging educational, social, environmental and economic needs, although its full potential was yet to be explored.
However, he cautioned that technology alone could not guarantee sustainable and resilient development, stressing that the impact of AI would depend largely on how humans developed, managed and applied it.
The Pro- Vice Chancellor explained that the rapid advancement of disruptive technologies had transformed the way people worked, learned, communicated and accessed healthcare, while also changing the conduct of research, business management and agriculture.
He encouraged participants to take advantage of the expertise available at the conference and establish professional networks and partnerships that could continue beyond the event.
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GES directs Ashanti Regional, Obuasi Municipal Education Directors to step aside over Obuasi SHTS scandal
The Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Dr. William Amankrah Appiah, and the Obuasi Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Kwamena Owusu-Nketiah, to step aside with immediate effect.
The directive forms part of ongoing investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Mr. Zakaria Abdulai.
According to GES, the decision is intended to ensure that the investigations proceed without potential interference, nor the perception of it.
The two directors are to hand over their offices and all state property in their possession to the Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Mr. Thomas Kwame Boateng.
Management added that the headmaster, Mr. Zakaria Abdulai, also remains interdicted and therefore urged the public to ignore any news circulating that he has been cleared.
Management is calling for calm, support and cooperation as thorough investigations into the matter continue.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has joined the family of the late Professor Jason Atta Kwei Arday, the Ghanaian community in the UK, and other dignitaries for a memorial service in Southwark, UK.
In a post, Mr. Ablakwa described the service as deeply moving and unforgettable, held in honour of the late professor’s memory.
According to him, in keeping with the government’s pledge, he joined the family, Ghana’s High Commissioner to London, British MPs, Ministers, the Mayor of London, Cambridge scholars, Prof. Arday’s students and loved ones to pay respects and honour his inspiring legacy.
Mr. Ablakwa noted that Prof. Arday’s accomplishments as the youngest Black professor appointed at the University of Cambridge and his widely appreciated charitable contributions will continue to inspire generations.
“The Government and People of Ghana will continue to stand by our compatriots everywhere they are in the world. As we do so, we profess our commitment to justice, equality and the creation of a new world,” he said.
He prayed for fortitude for the family in what he described as an extraordinarily difficult time.
“We shall always remember Prof. Arday for his response when asked what he will wish to do to change the world: ‘I would take a thread and a needle, and I’d interweave love into our society’,” Mr. Ablakwa added.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
