A Landmark Recognition at WACREN 2025
Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr (FGA), renowned Ghanaian academic and former President of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, was honoured on 10th April 2025 at the 10th Annual Conference of the West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN) in Dakar. He received the inaugural edition of a landmark award celebrating leadership and advocacy in advancing research and education across the continent. The award, which now bears his name, was created to recognize his exceptional contributions to higher education policy and developing digital research infrastructure in Africa. His legacy continues to shape academic and scientific progress across the region.
Goodwill Message by President of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS)
In a virtual goodwill message delivered during the ceremony, Emerita Prof. Isabella Akyinbah Quakyi (FGA), President of GAAS, paid glowing tribute to Prof. Sawyerr. She praised his unwavering dedication to building bridges between research institutions, policymakers, and funding bodies, and acknowledged the profound impact his advocacy has had on strengthening connectivity and collaboration across Africa’s higher education landscape.
Award Presentation by Mr. Lucas Chigabatia
The award was formally presented to Prof. Sawyerr by Mr. Lucas Chigabatia, WACREN Board Member and CEO of the Ghana Academy of Research and Education Network (GARNET). In his presentation, Mr. Chigabatia acknowledged Prof. Sawyerr’s lifelong commitment to the values of equity, access, and excellence in education, describing him as “a visionary whose efforts have laid the groundwork for the digital research networks we benefit from today.”
Establishing the Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr Award
The conference also marked the formal announcement of the Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr Award for Leadership and Advocacy in Advancing National Research and Education Networks (NRENs). This biennial honour will be awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting and expanding National Research and Education Networks in West and Central Africa.
In a statement during the announcement, WACREN noted:
“This award is not just a recognition—it is a legacy. Prof. Sawyerr’s influence continues to shape how we think, connect, and collaborate. By naming this award after him, we not only honour his past but inspire the future.”
The first formal presentation of the award under the new nomination system will take place at WACREN 2026, with nominations opening early next year.
Award Criteria and Selection Process
The award will celebrate individuals whose work reflects the spirit and values championed by Prof. Sawyerr. Recipients will be selected based on the following criteria:
Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement – Demonstrated ability to influence decision-makers and institutions in support of NREN initiatives.
Sustained Commitment – Longstanding involvement and leadership in advancing research and education networks.
Promotion of Digital Inclusion and Open Science – Efforts to expand access to digital infrastructure and promote equitable knowledge sharing.
Award Periodicity – The award will be conferred every two years.
A selection committee will assess nominees based on these measures to ensure alignment with WACREN’s mission of advancing research, education, and digital integration in the region.
A Legacy That Inspires the Future
The presentation of the inaugural award to Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr himself was a defining moment—not just for WACREN but for Africa’s academic and research community at large. His life’s work stands as a blueprint for what determined, visionary leadership can accomplish.
As the first recipient of an award that will now bear his name for generations to come, Prof. Sawyerr’s enduring influence was rightfully celebrated as both a legacy and a charge to the future—to continue building, connecting, and transforming Africa’s research and education landscape.
