CSIR-Crops Research Institute Concludes Third Mentoring Cohort with Encouraging Outcomes
The CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI) has successfully concluded the third cohort of its Mentorship Program, marking another milestone in its commitment to capacity building and professional development among staff.
The closing event, held on Tuesday, 24th June 2025, featured a presentation of progress reports by the mentees, highlighting achievements and lessons learned during the mentoring period. The session served as a platform for reflection, peer learning, and the celebration of professional growth. All mentors and mentees were awarded certificates in recognition of their dedication and successful participation in the program.
Director Commends Mentorship Efforts
In his opening remarks, the Director of CSIR-CRI, Prof. Maxwell Darko Asante, underscored the critical role of time management in professional success, stressing its relevance in the context of mentorship. He acknowledged the institute’s progress since the launch of the mentoring initiative in 2018, now in its third cycle, and described it as “highly significant.”
Prof. Asante praised the well-structured implementation of the program and expressed his appreciation to Dr. Patricia Pinamang Acheampong and her team for their dedicated efforts. He emphasized the importance of mentorship in shaping the careers of young professionals and noted plans to strengthen the mentor-mentee system further. He also hinted at the possibility of extending the initiative to reach Senior High School (SHS) students in the near future. He concluded with a call for active participation and encouraged all attendees to glean meaningful insights from the event.
Seminar Marks Review and Reflection
The CSIR-CRI Mentoring Coordinator, Dr. (Mrs.) Patricia Pinamang Acheampong, described the event as an “outcomes review seminar.” She emphasized the need for mentees to share key takeaways and demonstrate tangible progress in both their personal and professional development. Her remarks highlighted the program’s goal of nurturing well-rounded professionals through structured support, practical learning, and guided career planning.
Deputy Director Encourages Broader Participation
In his remarks, the Deputy Director of CSIR-CRI, Dr. Ernest Baafi encouraged staff who have not yet taken part in the mentorship program to seize the opportunity when the next cohort is announced. He reiterated the value of sustained engagement with mentors and stressed the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement for career advancement.
The conclusion of the third mentoring cohort reaffirms CSIR-CRI’s dedication to nurturing talent and building a strong, forward-looking workforce equipped for scientific excellence and innovation in agriculture.
Authors: Linda Agyeman, Lynda G.S. Nsafoah, Mary Duah
