The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) has been honoured for its exceptional contributions to national development, particularly in education, research, and policy advocacy. The Academy was among eight distinguished institutions celebrated at the National Honors Awards held on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who presented the awards, commended GAAS for its enduring impact on Ghana’s progress. “The spirit of innovation and scholarship that propels our country ahead is embodied by the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences. Its contributions have been revolutionary and a perfect example of how knowledge can be used to create a brighter future for all Ghanaians,” he said.
GAAS was founded in 1959 by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana, and has continuously promoted scholarly achievement and social advancement. Through symposia, public lectures, policy proposals, and cooperative research, it has tackled important national concerns throughout the decades, offering practical insights to support national development.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Academy demonstrated its leadership and expertise by mobilizing researchers to provide real-time data and modeling. These efforts significantly guided Ghana’s national response, helping to mitigate the spread of the virus and save countless lives.
In addition to its pandemic response, GAAS has led important debates and studies on urgent problems including public health, environmental sustainability, and illegal mining (galamsey), influencing laws and encouraging solutions for regional and national issues.
“This honour is a testament to GAAS’ unwavering commitment to fostering knowledge creation, dissemination, and utilization for the betterment of society,” said Emerita Prof. Isabella Quakyi (FGA), who received the award on behalf of GAAS.
GAAS’s commitment to evidence-based decision-making is reflected in its impactful collaborative research. Notably, in 2015, the Academy intervened to advise against a clinical trial for an Ebola vaccine in Ghana, citing safety concerns. This action exemplified its dedication to public health and the highest standards of scientific integrity.
As Ghana charts its path forward, GAAS remains pivotal in driving progress and innovation. With its dedication to intellectual advancement and societal transformation, the Academy continues serving as a beacon of hope and excellence for future generations.
Other institutions recognized at the ceremony included the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), China-Africa Development Fund and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The National Honors Awards celebrate organizations and individuals whose work has significantly advanced Ghana’s development, inspiring continued commitment to national and global excellence.