Food insecurity in Ghana has become a growing concern for a lecturer at the Food Process Engineering Department of the University of Ghana, Prof Firibu Kwesi Saalia.

Prof Saalia, who serves as one of the research chairs for the O.R Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiatives (ORTARChi), expressed his worries during the project launch of the OR Tambo Africa Research Chair for Food and Technology.

Addressing the audience at the ISSER Conference Centre at the University of Ghana, Prof Saalia identified several factors contributing to food insecurity in the country. These factors encompassed food process engineering, food safety and quality management, and food packaging.

“So the first area we're looking at was food processing, process designs for equipment for the processing itself. Then food safety, both microbial and chemical safety issues, risk assessments of chemical and microbial contaminants. And one thing that if you are in the food space, you will know is that packaging is one of our weakest links in the food delivery system in this country. Whatever we do, we import. From plastics to glass to whatever. So we thought that we should also pay attention to food packaging that will be based on our own system - that is biodegradable food - and then that will help food shelf life extension, he said on Thursday, June 29.

He emphasized the need to add value to post-harvest processes, as the lack of proper processing techniques often leads to significant wastage. Such inefficiencies have a direct impact on food security, which is further compounded by rapid population growth and inflation.

In order to address these concerns and promote food security, Prof Saalia stressed the importance of innovation and the training of graduates to adapt to the changing dynamics of the local food system.

By encouraging innovative approaches and equipping graduates with the necessary skills, Ghana can effectively manage the challenges related to food security and ensure a sustainable food supply for its population.

The OR Tambo Africa Research Chair for Food and Technology aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and solutions in the field of food security. With Prof Saalia as one of the research chairs, the initiative is poised to make significant strides in addressing the underlying factors that contribute to food insecurity in Ghana.

Through research, collaboration, and the implementation of practical solutions, the chair's work will play a pivotal role in enhancing food security and promoting sustainable food practices in the country.

As Ghana continues to face the complex challenges associated with food security, the insights and expertise provided by Prof Saalia and the OR Tambo Africa Research Chair for Food and Technology will be invaluable in shaping policies and strategies that ensure a reliable and nutritious food supply for all Ghanaians.

Food insecurity in Ghana has become a growing concern, as highlighted by Prof Firibu Kwesi Saalia, a lecturer at the Food Process Engineering Department of the University of Ghana.

Prof Saalia, who serves as one of the research chairs for the O.R Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiatives (ORTARChi), expressed his worries during the project launch of the OR Tambo Africa Research Chair for Food and Technology.

Addressing the audience at the ISSER Conference Centre at the University of Ghana, Prof Saalia identified several factors contributing to food insecurity in the country. These factors encompassed food process engineering, food safety and quality management, and food packaging.

He emphasized the need to add value to post-harvest processes, as the lack of proper processing techniques often leads to significant wastage. Such inefficiencies have a direct impact on food security, which is further compounded by rapid population growth and inflation.

In order to address these concerns and promote food security, Prof Saalia stressed the importance of innovation and the training of graduates to adapt to the changing dynamics of the local food system.

By encouraging innovative approaches and equipping graduates with the necessary skills, Ghana can effectively manage the challenges related to food security and ensure a sustainable food supply for its population.

The OR Tambo Africa Research Chair for Food and Technology aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and solutions in the field of food security. With Prof Saalia as one of the research chairs, the initiative is poised to make significant strides in addressing the underlying factors that contribute to food insecurity in Ghana.

Through research, collaboration, and the implementation of practical solutions, the chair's work will play a pivotal role in enhancing food security and promoting sustainable food practices in the country.

As Ghana continues to face the complex challenges associated with food security, the insights and expertise provided by Prof Saalia and the OR Tambo Africa Research Chair for Food and Technology will be invaluable in shaping policies and strategies that ensure a reliable and nutritious food supply for all Ghanaians.

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Prof. Felix Asante, declared the project launched.

"It gives me great joy and honour to declare the O.R Tambo Africa Research Chair of the University of Ghana duly launched," he announced.

There were also solidarity messages from the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI).

MESTI's Director of Research, Statistics and Technology Management, Cephas Adjei Mensah was elated by the programme adding that "we look forward to making use of this initiative effectively and efficiently."

Speaking at the sideline of the event, Mr Mensah was of the view that the project was in line with the government's commitment to pursue industrialisation and climate-compliant innovation.

He insisted that evidence suggests that science and technology is crucial in achieving these objectives.

In 2021, Parliament passed the Ghana National Research Fund law. However, two years in implementation is yet to take off.

As part of plans to accelerate implementation, Mr Agjei Mensah says the Ministry will engage academia in the coming days to establish the way forward.

Additionally, "efforts are ongoing within the remits of government in collaboration with the relevant ministries to be able to have this particular fund raised."

Other partners of the project include South Africa's Department of Science and Innovation, the National Research Foundation in partnership with the Oliver & Adelaide Tambo Foundation (OATF), Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and seven councils of the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In 2017, the OR Tambo Africa Research Chair for Food and Technology was launched to honor the 100th anniversary of O.R. Tambo's birth. It expands upon the accomplishments of Oliver Tambo, a notable South African and pan-Africanist, who emphasized education and collaboration for transformative change across African nations.

Below are some other collaborators.