Fumesua: The Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-CRI) has inaugurated a multicultural technology park, marking a significant stride toward sustainable agricultural development in Ghana and across Africa. This initiative aims to address pressing environmental concerns through the integration of agroecology, circular economy, and climate action.
According to Ghana News Agency, the launch of the technology park is a core component of the CRI's Agroecology and Circular Economy for Ecosystem Services (ACE4ES) Project. This multi-institutional initiative is dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices that mitigate short-lived climate pollutants and enhance ecosystem services. The 15-acre multipurpose technology park is designed as a hub of innovation, where validated technologies for agroecology and circular systems will be tested, demonstrated, and scaled up.
The park will also serve as a center for learning and capacity building, equipping farmers, researchers, and policymakers with the tools and knowledge needed to transition to more sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Kwaku Onwona-Hwesofour Asante, ACE4ES Africa Consortium Coordinator and a scientist at CRI, highlighted the park's advanced instruments for measuring methane, nitrous oxide, and black carbon-identified as super pollutants in agriculture-during the commissioning of the park.
The inauguration coincided with the 2025 Open Day of CSIR-CRI and the launch of the Regional Policy Guide on Agroecology, Circular Economy, and Climate Action in Fumesua, near Ejisu in the Ashanti region. Dr. Asante emphasized the need for additional support to enable scientists to conduct diverse agroecological studies across the regions, generating essential data for Ghana to engage in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) opportunities.
Dr. Asante pointed out that Ghana currently lacks emission factors for agricultural GHGs, posing challenges in accessing or addressing opportunities related to agricultural emissions. He asserted that agroecology, though an age-old principle, is gaining traction as a vital concept that promotes ecosystem services through input reduction, recycling, and enhancement of plant and animal health.
Professor Paul Pinnock Bosu, Director-General of CSIR, remarked that the launch of the technology park and the accompanying policy document aligns with the first thrust of CSIR's corporate strategic plan. This plan emphasizes the council's commitment to fostering private sector-driven research and development, alongside technological innovation.
Prof. Maxwell Darko Asante, Director of CSIR-CRI, expressed confidence in the institution's ability to support the Government's Feed Ghana Programme. By recommending suitable crop varieties and associated technologies, producing adequate breeder and foundation seeds, and partnering with seed growers to produce certified seeds, CSIR-CRI aims to ensure sustainable agriculture.
Mr. Kwasi Etu-Bonde, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Food and Agriculture, pledged the Ministry's dedication to collaborating with ACE4ES and all stakeholders, ensuring that the technological park's benefits reach every farmer and community across Ghana.
