Professor Abagale, making a presentation at the opening of the 34th biennial conference of the Ghana Science Association (GSA) in Tamale, highlighted innovations such as the DropAPP, a mobile-based weather information service tailored for farmers.

He explained that the App integrated indigenous knowledge with scientific weather forecasting and provided real-time data on rainfall, temperature, and soil conditions, adding it had been designed to be user-friendly and accessible even to farmers with limited literacy.

He showcased other technologies including an AI-assisted smart irrigation control system, which used predictive algorithms to optimize water use and achieve up to 29 per cent savings, the conversion of organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments, the use of constructed wetlands to improve water quality, and vertical and hydroponic farming models that maximized productivity in limited spaces especially in urban and peri-urban areas.

Professor Abagale said, “These innovations bring together modern science and indigenous knowledge to make farming more efficient, climate-smart, and profitable for smallholder farmers.”

The week-long conference to explore science-led solutions for national development, is hosted by the Tamale branch of GSA and participants included scientists, technologists, policymakers, traditional and religious leaders, students amongst other stakeholders.

It is on the theme: “Leveraging Innovative Science to Strengthen Public-Private-Partnership for Sustainable Development in Ghana”.
It is supported by the Energy Commission, Petroleum Commission, Ghana Standards Authority, National Petroleum Authority, Ghana Chamber of Mines, Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, News Corporation, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Pumptech Limited, and University for Development Studies.

Presentations during the conference would focus on sustainable agriculture innovations for food security, biomedical innovations for improved healthcare, environmental conservation, science education and policy, water resources management, and proactive public-private partnerships to support the “Reset Ghana” agenda.

Professor Gideon Kofi Helegbe, Honourary National President of GSA, whose speech was read on his behalf by Dr Francis Addy, National Secretary of GSA, said the conference would go beyond issuing a communiqué to producing actionable policy briefs to support national development priorities.

Mr Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, whose speech was read on his behalf by Hajia Shamima Muslim, a Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, reaffirmed government’s commitment to fostering an ecosystem where science, technology, innovation, and private sector ingenuity converged to deliver sustainable solutions.