The Vice-Chancellor of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Prof. Seidu Al-hassan, has led a delegation to the United Kingdom to receive the Best African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnership Award at the prestigious National Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Awards Ceremony. The award recognizes UDS' exceptional contributions to Agricultural Innovation and Impactful Research.

Joining Prof. Al-hassan in the delegation are Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, Director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research; Mr. Senyo Kpelly, Founder and CEO of Savannah and Sahel Commodities Ltd.; and Mr. Valentine Acharibasam, the Knowledge Transfer Associate for UDS and Savannah and Sahel Commodities Ltd. (SSCL). This team embodies the university’s collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence in agriculture and knowledge transfer.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) program, led by Innovate UK, is a globally recognized platform that bridges academia and industry. By fostering partnerships, it aims to address pressing societal and industrial challenges through innovative solutions. The awards ceremony celebrates the impactful collaborations facilitated by KTP, and UDS’ recognition underscores its pivotal role in advancing agriculture and food security across Africa.

Prof. Seidu Al-hassan, will be given an opportunity to speak during the ceremony. He is expected to express pride in UDS' achievements, and emphasise that the award represents a significant milestone in the University’s mission to lead transformative research.  At the 25th Congregation ceremony held on November 9, 2024, the Vice-Chancellor announced that “this award is a testament to our dedication to innovative solutions that address the unique agricultural challenges facing our communities. It also reinforces our reputation as a leader in development-focused research and community engagement,” he remarked.

UDS' nomination and subsequent recognition are rooted in the university’s rigorous and innovative research practices. The institution has made groundbreaking strides in sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming, and innovative food production methods. By directly transferring research findings to communities, UDS ensures that its work creates a positive ripple effect across Ghana and the African continent.

Being nominated to receive the Best African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnership Award affirms UDS' goal of transforming lives through education, research, and development. The accolade also serves as a call to action for the university to deepen its commitment to addressing global agricultural challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

This recognition not only elevates UDS’ standing on the global stage but also reinforces its resolve to remain a trailblazer in impactful agricultural research and knowledge dissemination. The university community celebrates this achievement as a defining moment in its journey towards making transformative contributions to society.

Story by:
Abdul-Hayi Moomen
(UDS Media)