INDUCTION CEREMONY HELD FOR NEW HEAD OF PLANT RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF CCST
Kumasi, Ghana – The CSIR College of Science and Technology (CCST), a postgraduate college birthed out of the research and development experiences of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (the CSIR), held a formal induction ceremony yesterday to welcome Dr. Stephen Yeboah as the new Head of the Department of Plant Resources Development.
The event, held at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI), Kumasi, where the department is run, drew faculty members, students, and key stakeholders from the academic and research communities, all gathered to witness the milestone appointment.
Dr. Yeboah, an accomplished researcher with the CSIR-CRI, officially assumes his role as the department head, succeeding Professor Joseph Nee Lante Lamptey, who has held the position for the last nine years. The induction ceremony marked the beginning of what many hope will be a period of growth, innovation, and expanded research opportunities for the department.
Ceremony Highlights
In his welcome address, the acting Director of the CSIR-CRI, who is also the Board Chair of the Department, expressed his gratitude to Prof. Lamptey for steering the affairs of the department since its inception. He indicated that Prof. Lamptey’s tenure fostered collaboration and teamwork and also ensured compliance with organizational policies. He underscored the department’s role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, environmental conservation, and biotechnology in line with Ghana’s growing need for sustainable solutions in agriculture.
“We are confident that under Dr. Yeboah’s leadership, the Department of Plant Resources Development will continue to make significant strides in research, innovation, and community impact. His vision for the department aligns perfectly with our institution’s broader goals of excellence in science and technology,” Dr. Baafi, said.
Dr. Stephen Yeboah’s Vision
During his inaugural speech, Dr. Yeboah expressed his gratitude for the appointment and appreciated the efforts of the outgoing head and other officers of the department. “This year’s admission has us admitting the eighth batch of CCST graduate students. This and the high rate of successful graduation of our graduate students indicate how far our department has come and we wouldn’t have come this far without the efforts of the past leadership of the department”, he stated.
He further outlined his strategic vision for the department and emphasized the need to complete accreditation processes for the department’s PhD Plant Breeding and Biotechnology programme as well as the MPhil Crop and Plant Health programme. He also indicated that the department would explore the possibility of running short courses in various disciplines.
“Our department is poised to play a critical role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. I am excited to lead this talented team as we work to harness the potential of plant resources for the betterment of society,” Dr. Yeboah stated.
He further emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting plans to work with other departments within the CCST to explore innovative solutions in various areas. n
Remarks by Outgoing Head of Department
He further outlined his strategic vision for the department and emphasized the need to complete accreditation processes for the department’s PhD Plant Breeding and Biotechnology programme as well as the MPhil Crop and Plant Health programme. He also indicated that the department would explore the possibility of running short courses in various disciplines.
“Our department is poised to play a critical role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. I am excited to lead this talented team as we work to harness the potential of plant resources for the betterment of society,” Dr. Yeboah stated.
He further emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting plans to work with other departments within the CCST to explore innovative solutions in various areas. n
Remarks by Outgoing Head of Department
The induction of Dr. Yeboah signals a new era for the Department of Plant Resources Development, which has been at the forefront of research into sustainable agriculture. Faculty members and students alike expressed optimism about the future direction of the department.
Speaking on behalf of the student body, Nana Kwame, a final-year student in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, said, “Dr. Yeboah has always been an inspiring figure to us. His dedication to research and his innovative approaches give us hope that the department will continue to grow and offer even more opportunities for students.”
Looking Ahead
As Dr. Yeboah officially takes on his new role, expectations are high for the continued success of the department. Members of faculty have pledged their support for his vision, with many noting that his leadership comes at a crucial time when sustainable plant resource management is more important than ever. Dr. Yeboah’s induction is expected to usher in a new wave of research and academic excellence, reinforcing CCST’s reputation as a leader in science and technology education in Ghana.
Profile of Dr. Stephen Yeboah
Dr. Stephen Yeboah is a Senior Research Scientist, with the Cereals Division of the Institute. Dr. Yeboah has conducted extensive research in the areas of crop resource management and environmental and soil nutrient management on a variety of crops. He has developed a number of technologies that have improved the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers.
His research priority is to improve understanding of plant responses to the environment with a focus on field, theoretical, and laboratory research towards increasing understanding of the soil–plant–water relationships and mitigating effects of climate change on crop production and environmental quality. He has refereed several papers for both local and international scientific journals and has over fifty (50) refereed journal publications in science listed international and African Journals.
Authors: Bernard Sakyiamah, Enoch Bobie Agyemang
