Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences Seeks to Strengthen Ties with UG

The University’s priority to proactively establish and strengthen strategic partnerships for mutual benefits continues unabated. In this vein, a delegation from the Secretariat of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS), led by Executive Secretary Mr. Daniel Hormeku, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, to discuss ways to enhance the Academy’s visibility and strengthen collaboration with the University. 

Mr. Hormeku highlighted the Academy’s long-standing contributions to research and national policy but noted that stakeholder engagement in its programmes has been low. He further noted that the Academy seeks to engage more closely with the University, especially regarding national policy discussions. 

He also appealed to the Vice-Chancellor for logistical support.

Professor Amfo, who is a fellow of the Academy, welcomed the initiative and outlined key areas for improvement including capacity building and funding opportunities. She assured the GAAS of UG’s support, particularly in capacity building and research collaboration. She acknowledged the need for change but cautioned that transformation requires strategy and persistence.

‘I see that in the past years, the academy has made an effort to bring in younger fellows. Now that you are trying to diversify and energise the academy, it’s important to look at these things again,” she remarked. 

Provost of the College of Education and a Fellow of the Academy, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, proposed collaborations between both institutions regarding research grant applications. “Some international academies have journals and dedicated funding sources. GAAS can strengthen its influence by partnering with UG on research initiatives,” he added. 

He further pledged his college’s support in providing the Secretariat with some computers to boost administrative work. 

Provost of the College of Humanities, also a Fellow at the Academy, Prof.  Joseph Yaro, reechoed the need to infuse new energy into GAAS by engaging younger fellows.

Another Fellow of the Academy, Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana, Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, highlighted the potential for joint research and media engagement. “We have crop varieties and scientific discoveries that have not been publicised. A collaboration with GAAS would benefit both institutions in terms of visibility and resource mobilisation,” he explained. 

Following the meeting, Ms. Matilda Dennis, Communications Officer at the Academy, spent a week with the University’s Public Affairs Directorate. During this time, she observed the Directorate’s operations firsthand to gain insights that would enhance her work at the Academy.

Established 65 years ago by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) serves as one of the oldest academies in Africa.