Accra: Professor Jerry John Kponyo, Director of the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (RAIL) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has called on journalists to play a stronger role in translating scientific research into practical knowledge that benefits society. He emphasized the need for effective communication of groundbreaking research in areas such as agriculture, health, energy, and education to maximize their impact on the public.
According to Ghana News Agency, Prof. Kponyo made these remarks during a three-day training session marking the beginning of Phase Three of the Capacity Building Programme for Media Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Reportage in Accra. The programme aims to equip media professionals with the skills necessary to report accurately and effectively on scientific and technological developments, providing training in research interpretation, science storytelling, multimedia reporting, and ethical science journalism.
The initiative seeks to strengthen Ghana's science communication ecosystem to ensure that scientific discoveries contribute meaningfully to national development. Prof. Kponyo highlighted the importance of collaboration between journalists and scientists to simplify complex scientific information for public understanding. He also appreciated the support from the British High Commission and other partners, pledging KNUST's commitment to promoting science communication.
Prof. Abigail Opoku-Mensah, Acting Administrator of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF), stressed the media's critical role in bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding. She noted that Ghana's ambition of building a knowledge-based economy relies not only on producing research but also on ensuring that results are widely understood and applied by citizens. Prof. Opoku-Mensah identified science journalists as vital connectors between scientific discovery and various stakeholders, emphasizing the need for effective communication.
Mr. Johnson Singir, Head of the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub, stated that the programme is part of broader efforts to strengthen science, technology, and innovation collaboration between Ghana and the United Kingdom. The partnership focuses on enhancing ecosystem coordination, promoting knowledge sharing, and supporting research commercialisation. Selected journalists participating in the programme will receive funding for specialized reporting projects and opportunities for advanced training in the United Kingdom.