The Ghana Scholarly Society (GSS), a prestigious academic think tank, proudly announces the release of its ground-breaking policy brief on innovation and pathways to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries. This milestone follows the highly acclaimed conference held at the Norcroft Centre of the University of Bradford from June 19-20, 2024.

Conference Overview

The conference, a landmark event, was graced by eminent public servants and statesmen, including H.E. Papa Owusu Ankomah, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland. This event marked a significant stride towards integrating cutting-edge academic research into Ghana's national development strategies.

The GSS is dedicated to uniting Ghanaian academics worldwide, leveraging their collective expertise to advance knowledge and drive impactful policy-making that fosters sustainable development. In his keynote address, Papa Owusu Ankomah emphasized the vital role of higher education institutions and scholars in shaping both national and global development agendas, commending the organizers for their visionary leadership.

“Academic conferences like this are crucial for discussing solutions to global challenges and guiding policymakers. The GSS is poised to drive the intellectual and practical advancements necessary to achieve Ghana’s ambitious development goals,” stated H.E. Papa Owusu Ankomah.

Distinguished Keynote Speakers

Keynote speakers included Professor Sankar Sivarajah, Dean of the Bradford School of Management, University of Bradford; Professor David Weir, Professor of Management and Strategy, St. York University; Professor Udy Archibong, a Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Bradford; Professor Humphrey Danso, Dean of Graduate Studies, Akenteng Appiah Menka University; Professor Richard Nyuur, University of Bradford; Professor Gloria Agyemang, Royal Holloway, University of London.

A Confluence of Global Minds

The event brought together over one hundred esteemed academics and industry leaders from Japan, France, Canada, Portugal, Finland, Ghana, and the UK. These experts engaged in rich discussions on multidisciplinary research related to the SDGs, focusing on innovative solutions to complex social issues facing Ghana and the broader African continent. Key topics included social care, health, cybersecurity, human development, food security, education, accounting, finance and economics, and engineering.

Key Insights and Recommendations

Opening the conference, Dr Kweku Adams, Associate Professor at the University of Bradford and President of the GSS, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts and a multidisciplinary approach to achieving sustainable development goals.

“Ghana can achieve its development goals by embracing academic collaboration,” he noted, underscoring the transformative power of integrating academic research into policy-making to enhance the quality of life for all Ghanaians.

The conference highlighted several critical areas for policy intervention including economic diversification, public health and safety, and strengthening institutional frameworks.
Economic Diversification and Innovation

• Policies must support innovation and technological adaptation across various sectors.
• Establishing innovation hubs and fostering partnerships between academia and industry can translate research into commercial opportunities.

Strengthening Institutional Frameworks

• Reforming institutional frameworks to improve transparency and governance is essential.
• Academic research should inform the creation and reform of resilient and adaptable governance structures.

Public Health and Education

• Leveraging academic research to address health and education disparities is crucial.
• Collaborations with research institutions can develop policies based on empirical data to improve societal well-being.

Sustainable Construction and Climate Change

• Adopting innovative construction frameworks and promoting sustainable materials can mitigate climate change impacts.
• Policies should mandate sustainability requirements for social housing projects and localize material production.

Legal and Regulatory Reforms:

• Strengthening legal frameworks and international cooperation can tackle human trafficking and enhance the enforcement of judgment.

A Confluence of Global Minds

The event brought together over one hundred esteemed academics and industry leaders from Japan, France, Canada, Portugal, Finland, Ghana, and the UK. These experts engaged in rich discussions on multidisciplinary research related to the SDGs, focusing on innovative solutions to complex social issues facing Ghana and the broader African continent. Key topics included social care, health, cybersecurity, human development, food security, education, accounting, finance and economics, and engineering.

Key Insights and Recommendations

Opening the conference, Dr Kweku Adams, Associate Professor at the University of Bradford and President of the GSS, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts and a multidisciplinary approach to achieving sustainable development goals.

“Ghana can achieve its development goals by embracing academic collaboration,” he noted, underscoring the transformative power of integrating academic research into policy-making to enhance the quality of life for all Ghanaians.

The conference highlighted several critical areas for policy intervention including economic diversification, public health and safety, and strengthening institutional frameworks.

Economic Diversification and Innovation

• Policies must support innovation and technological adaptation across various sectors.
• Establishing innovation hubs and fostering partnerships between academia and industry can translate research into commercial opportunities.

Strengthening Institutional Frameworks

• Reforming institutional frameworks to improve transparency and governance is essential.
• Academic research should inform the creation and reform of resilient and adaptable governance structures.

Public Health and Education

• Regulatory stability in sectors like petroleum and inclusive education for people with disabilities is critical for equitable development.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The conference concluded with a powerful call to action for the continuous integration of academic research into policymaking while adhering to legal frameworks to ensure balanced development and legal compliance. “Laws are the pivot around which development revolves,” remarked Prof. Sankar Sivarajah, Dean of the Bradford School of Management.

The GSS stands ready to collaborate with the Ghanaian government and international stakeholders to ensure that policies are informed by the latest research and align with both national priorities and global best practices. We urge policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to engage with our findings and work together towards achieving sustainable development.

For more information and to access the full policy brief, please visit the Ghana Scholarly Society’s website: www.ghscholars.com.