UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology opens West Africa office

International research organisation, UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) has opened its West Africa Regional office in Accra to undertake further research in land and freshwater ecosystems to tackle climate change.

The facility embedded within the confines of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Campus in Accra has a conference room, three research offices and an office.

Officially opening the research centre at the CSIR Campus in Accra yesterday, Chief Executive Officer of UKCEH, Dr Stuart Wainwright, noted that the facility will gather data on land and the environment and provide it to duty bearers in the country to be well informed on happenings in the environment and climate change.

He added that this will help them to be better informed on the issues affecting the environment and take appropriate decisions.

“We will also build the capacity of researchers in our field, form partnerships and collaborations to help tackle climate change,” he stated.

CSIR ready for research

The Director General of CSIR-Ghana, Professor Paul Bosu expressed gratitude to UKCEH for establishing such a facility to aid the work of environmentalists and land researchers.

He expressed the hope that the centre will achieve its goals and make the necessary impact.

“CSIR institutions and agencies are poised to partner UKCEH to pursue the task of undertaking the needed research on the environment and soil for the common good of the society,” he stated.

He added that his outfit will work assiduously together with relevant stakeholders and agencies to minimise the impact of environmental hazards.

“Science and technology are vital and an innovative approach towards building a better world, “he stated.

Government commitment

The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ophelia Mensah Hayford, reiterated the government's commitments towards an environmentally friendly eco-system.

She noted that the research facility further enhances the sound environmental management and practices the government has undertaken to achieve a sustainable ecosystem.

“Continued research, innovation without compromising on environmental activities will consolidate a sound ecosystem for all to live in,” she stated.

She said her outfit will play a vital role towards the growth and success of the centre to enable it attain its goal.

Research Funding

For her part the Head of UKCEH West Africa Office, Adelaide Asantewaa Asante stated that the facility will enable the sub-region to have access to funding in research activities, equipment and development of research infrastructures.

She added that the centre will also increase opportunities for information exchange and an avenue for exploring new scientific ideas.

“This centre will promote co-leadership and co-development of activities within projects with our partners, foster joint research ownership and responsibility, strengthen capacities of research centres in Uk and West Africa and promote long-term sustainability of partnerships,” she stated