“National policy development must be based on research” – Prof. Adomako stresses

Radio Univers
Radio Univers
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Professor of African and Gender Studies at the Institute of African Studies in the University of Ghana (UG), Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo has underscored the role of research in the development of national policies.

She made the statement at the University of Ghana’s 75th Anniversary,  UG@75 Thanksgiving ceremony on 11th August, 2023 at the Cedi Conference Centre.

The ceremony, which was divided into a Christian and a Muslim service, brought together alumni and allies of the university, symbolizing unity and gratitude while embracing the theme “Nurturing Resilience: Embracing Technology, Fostering Humanism.”

In her closing remarks at the Christian service for the Thanksgiving Ceremony as the Chair of the UG@75 Committee, Prof. Ampofo spoke of the university’s ability to produce data-driven information based on research.

She emphasized on the role of research in the passing of laws and policies in the Ghanaian society.

“We cannot continue to develop policy and pass laws based on conjecture, wishful thinking, or deeply held but unfounded prejudices. It must be based on research. This year we have decriminalized the death penalty and suicide, and for this we are very grateful. Yet the research to show that neither of these were viable options in dealing with social problems had been available for years.”

Prof. Ampofo also called the President, Akuffo-Addo to invest a quota of the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to developing and reestablishing the research facilities and education in the country.

“If we collected the money that has been misspent and has been siphoned away, just a tiny fraction of it could fund the needed research to build this country. Mr. President, I stand on behalf of my colleagues to plead, to urge, that in the remaining months of your tenure, you put steps in place to assure that Ghana can once again become the hub of deep research on the continent.”

The charged atmosphere was graced by Christians from various denominations and other religious sects, races and classes too, coming from different parts of the country.

Prof. Ampofo finally drew attention to investment on research facilities whilst further reiterating the importance of research in modern society’s progress.

“The University of Ghana’s faculties does amazing research that benefits the nation, but neither we nor our colleagues in the other research universities can sustain this on foreign grants. No society, no nation in modern times has progressed and been globally competitive without investing in higher education because its impact can be felt profoundly in the society’s running.”

The thanksgiving ceremony marked the culmination of a year-long celebration of the university’s establishment.

The event saw the homecoming of past students from both home and abroad.

Headlining the event were the President of the republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo, Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, and an old student from the first batch of the school’s inauguration, Prof. Benjamin Worabea Garbrah among others.

Story by : Stephen Amoah | univers.ug.edu.gh 

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