The Institute for Interdisciplinary Research of UDS, in collaboration with the Institute of Development Studies UK, has held the 2nd Annual Conference of the Ghana Development Studies Hub-2023.The program was hosted at the Modern City hotel on 18th January 2023. The theme for this year’s conference was “Mobilizing Research for Environmentally Sustainable Development: A Collective Responsibility”.

The conference brought together partnering institutions like the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Cape Coast and the SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development. There were also researchers and development actors who have interest in tackling pressing issues of sustainable development that are of specific relevance to Ghana and West Africa. It also created space where researchers from within and outside of Ghana can share, learn and work with global researchers and governments.

Dr. Helen Akologo-Azupogo, presented a research paper report titled “The State of Environment and Development in Ghana”. She stated, “aside the various human activities that degrade the environment, another nemesis to our environmental development is the micro-politics involved in our environmental policies”.

She added that government officials and traditional leaders who have been entrusted with protecting the environment are themselves deeply involved in activities that degrade the environment.

Speaking on climate change, Dr. Helen Akologo-Azupogo said climate change has an increasing impact on Agriculture and Fisheries, which remains the largest occupation for Ghanaians and contribute a significant portion of export earnings.

She added that little has been done to renewable energy aside the Volta dam and others which have been in the country for a very long time. “We have not done enough to reduce emissions and other wastes to prevent climate change” she said. She encouraged the government and other private organizations to prioritize renewable energy to curb the issue of climate change in the country.

The Director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Dr. Abdulai Abubakari reiterated that the University is always open and ready to assist and partner with researchers from within and outside of Ghana to tackle matters of importance to the country and globe at large.

Story by Ali Abdur-Razaq Danbo
(University Relation)