Accra, April 10, – The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Institute for Scientific and Technological Information (CSIR-INSTI) has showcased an artificial intelligence-powered malaria diagnostic application alongside a range of digital agricultural technologies aimed at improving healthcare delivery and farming productivity.
The innovations were presented at the Institute’s 2026 Open Day held in Accra under the theme “Transforming Innovation Through AI, Precision Technologies, and Open Scientific Knowledge.”
The event brought together researchers, policymakers, students and industry players to examine emerging tools designed to address key development challenges, including disease diagnosis, soil management and data-driven agricultural planning.
Dr Paul A. Danquah, Director of CSIR-INSTI, explained that the malaria application is intended to enhance early detection and support health workers in communities with limited access to diagnostic services.
He said timely identification of malaria cases remains critical in reducing preventable deaths, adding that digital solutions can significantly improve response times in rural health facilities.
He noted that the Institute had also developed mobile-based crop disease detection tools that allow farmers to scan infected maize and tomato plants and receive instant artificial intelligence-assisted analysis.
A portable soil testing device, currently undergoing field trials, was also exhibited. The device is designed to provide on-site analysis of soil conditions, reducing the need for laboratory testing and improving decision-making for farmers.
The Institute further presented the Ghana Agric Data Hub, a platform that integrates weather information, cropping calendars and agricultural datasets to support planning and productivity across the agricultural value chain.
Other innovations included an e-learning platform for farmers, a digital extension services portal, and an early warning system that provides alerts on pests and crop diseases in real time.
Dr Danquah, however, indicated that funding constraints and ageing research infrastructure remain major challenges limiting the large-scale deployment of the technologies.
He said although the Institute has recorded more than 150 research publications and developed 24 technologies in recent years, many innovations are yet to reach end users due to limited resources.
The Director-General of CSIR, Prof. Paul Bosu, described the Open Day as a strategic platform for showcasing research outputs and strengthening innovation delivery.
He said efforts were underway to deepen artificial intelligence capacity within the Council, including new partnerships aimed at building staff expertise across disciplines.
Prof. Bosu added that CSIR is working towards establishing an endowment fund to support sustained research and innovation activities.
Board Chairman, Mr Mark Anthony Taylor, stressed the importance of aligning scientific research with national priorities such as industrialisation, digitalisation and job creation.
He said strengthening collaboration between research institutions and industry would be key to translating innovation into tangible socio-economic impact.
Participants at the event commended the technologies on display, noting that they demonstrate the growing role of science and artificial intelligence in addressing real-life challenges in health and agriculture.
GHBUSS
April 10, 2026
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