Two weeks ago in Nairobi, Kenya, I had the privilege of adding my voice to discussions on the Future of Science Communication Forum that was convened by the Alliance for Science Global Consortium.
As a Science Champion, I joined a high-level Communications Catalysts Panel alongside Hon. Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, former Minister of Energy and former Minister of Education in Ghana; Prof Channapatna Prakash, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Tuskegee University, USA, and other distinguished panelists on Culture and Content.
I challenged Africa to pause and reflect before moving forward. We must first build truly world-class universities that can develop the champions we need for the future of science communication.
I spoke of the many bright students across Africa who dream of opportunities that match their potential yet, too often, lack the platforms and support they need to thrive.
If we fail to act, if we neglect investments in science and education, then we are not just delaying progress—we are condemning millions, especially women and children, to malnutrition, hunger, and preventable deaths. This should be considered nothing less than a crime against humanity.
At the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), we have shown what is possible. In just 17 years, we have built a game-changing platform for training Africans in Africa, for Africa in the field of plant breeding.
This is proof that excellence is not beyond our reach—it is within our grasp if we dare to invest in it. I commend the Alliance for Science Global Consortium for its bold vision in championing science communication and urge them to hold African leaders accountable. Science must be at the center of Africa’s development agenda—there is no other path.
Looking ahead, I am determined to take this conversation to the highest levels. I believe Ghana—my motherland—must lead this movement. I trust that our new government is committed to resetting the country on a path to prosperity, and I stand ready to support efforts to make science the foundation of our future.
Together, we will build the Ghana we want. Together, we will carry the continent forward toward the Africa we must create.
Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah reminded us that Ghana’s independence was meaningless unless it was linked to the total liberation of Africa.
Today, I say that the scientific emancipation of Ghana will mean nothing if all of Africa does not unite to advance science for development.
The time to act is now. _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Eric Yirenkyi Danquah is a Professor of Plant Genetics at the Department of Crop Science of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana.