Accra, April 11, – Ghana’s efforts to harness artificial intelligence (AI) and precision technologies for national development took centre stage at the 2026 Open Day of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Institute for Scientific and Technological Information (CSIR-INSTI) in Accra.
The event showcased a range of locally developed digital platforms and scientific innovations designed to enhance healthcare delivery, boost agricultural productivity, and strengthen education, reflecting CSIR’s commitment to aligning research with national development priorities.
Held on the theme, “Transforming Innovation Through AI, Precision Technologies, and Open Scientific Knowledge,” the Open Day attracted policymakers, scientists, students, farmers, and community members.
Addressing participants, Dr Paul A. Danquah, Director of CSIR-INSTI, said the diverse innovations on display demonstrated the institute’s mission to harness technology for practical, everyday impact.
“Artificial intelligence and precision technologies are enabling us to accelerate data analysis, improve decision-making, and reduce human error,” he stated.
Among the key innovations presented was the Ghana Agric Data Hub, a digital platform integrating weather information, cropping calendars, and agricultural datasets to guide planting, pest control, and harvesting decisions.
The institute also unveiled the Farm Academy, an e-learning platform offering training modules, video tutorials, and courses to help farmers adopt research-driven agricultural practices.
“These platforms open access to knowledge that was once locked away in laboratories. For a farmer in Tamale or a student in Koforidua, science is now practical and usable,” Dr Danquah added.
A headline innovation was an AI-powered malaria diagnostic application, designed to provide frontline health workers and patients with faster and more accessible detection, thereby improving early treatment and reducing mortality.
Other technologies showcased included:
AI-based crop disease detection applications for maize and tomato.
A real-time soil testing device capable of measuring nine parameters on-site.
The Digital Agricultural Innovation Hub, hosting more than 400 technologies.
The KwaFu Marketplace, an e-commerce platform supporting agricultural value chains.
An Extension Portal enabling communication between extension officers and farmers through text, audio, and video.
An Early Warning System providing real-time pest and disease alerts.
Prof. Paul Bosu, Director-General of CSIR, described the event as a significant milestone in advancing research and technological development within the council.
“This Open Day will propel the institute into higher levels of research, technology generation, and project influence,” he said.
Mr Mark Anthony Taylor, Chairman of the CSIR Council, emphasised the need to align CSIR’s innovations with Ghana’s industrialisation and digitalisation agenda.
“Our focus is on strengthening research and ensuring CSIR contributes significantly to socio-economic development,” he noted.
While the innovations promise improved food security, enhanced healthcare, and expanded access to scientific knowledge, Dr Danquah highlighted funding constraints and ageing infrastructure as major challenges to scaling these technologies.
He indicated that although CSIR-INSTI had produced 150 publications and 24 technologies in recent years, many innovations risk remaining underutilised without sustained investment.
“We have the ideas and prototypes, but without adequate resources, they remain on the shelves,” he cautioned.
To strengthen capacity, CSIR recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AI Africa to train staff across the council in artificial intelligence applications, including administrative and financial personnel. Additionally, an endowment fund is being operationalised, with staff encouraged to contribute one per cent of their earnings to support innovation.
Prof. Bosu assured stakeholders that efforts to retool CSIR institutes were underway and would soon provide the resources needed to sustain and scale ongoing projects.
“We are determined to ensure these innovations do not die in infancy,” he affirmed.
The CSIR-INSTI Open Day highlighted both the opportunities and challenges within Ghana’s innovation ecosystem, with officials expressing confidence that integrating AI into key sectors would enhance food security, strengthen public health, and elevate Ghana’s scientific profile across Africa.
GHBUSS
April 11, 2026
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