Ghana Science Association (GSA) Kumasi Branch in collaboration with College of Science (CoS), College of Health Sciences (CHS), and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), KNUST has organized GSA Webinar 2021 (10th Research Seminar and Poster Presentations) on the theme: COVID-19 Pandemic: Scientific Updates and The Way Forward.

The GSA Webinar 2021 was hosted by CoS-KNUST via zoom on 27th and 28th April 2021. The two-day event was run successfully and below are the details.

Day 1: 27th April, 2021

Moderated by Dr. Linda Fondjo

Program started at 10:30a.m.

1. The opening address was by Dr. (Mrs.) Augustina Sylverken

• Welcomed all participants and gave a brief overview of what participants are to expect

2. The second address was by GSA Kumasi President, Dr. Jacob Agbenorhevi

• Gave brief history of the GSA Kumasi branch and how this was the chapter’s 10th Research Seminar & Poster Presentation
• Expanded on the theme and encouraged participants to join the educative and interaction session

3. Address by Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ellis Owusu-Dabo

• Generally spoke about the impact of the pandemic
• He emphasized the need for understanding the nature of the virus and its transmission
• Encouraged researchers to identify opportunities presented by the pandemic
• Urged scientists to ask relevant research questions to help find solutions to fight the pandemic

4. Keynote speaker 1 – Dr. Kwame Sarpong Asiedu’s talk on “Vaccines: Pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical approaches”

• Highlighted how countries who have received vaccines have recorded less hospitalizations and mortality (e.g. Israel, UK)
• Challenged researchers to investigate how long the first dose of the vaccines protected individuals
• Urged scientists to monitor and measure antibody titres after the first dose of the vaccine to be certain on when the second dose may be administered

5. Keynote speaker 2 – Prof. (Mrs.) Victoria Attoh-Kotoku’s talk on “Agriculture, food and nutrition safety in the era of COVID 19”

• “The right to food is a human right”
• The pandemic threatened food security e.g. closure of markets led to decreased access to foodstuff by consumers; closure of borders so food couldn’t be imported from elsewhere; increased prices of food
• Climate change, poor road infrastructure, insufficient education are important causes of food insecurity in Ghana
• Recommended investment in local resources and consumption of local foods

6. Oral presentation 1 – Mr. Patrick Ofori Tawiah’s talk on “Acceptability of covid vaccines among selected students in Ghana”

• Whiles about 53% of KNUST students interviewed believed vaccines were made to eliminate the virus, only a few knew much about the different kinds of vaccines available
• Recommended that people are given thorough education on the importance of vaccines

7. Oral presentation 2 – Mr. Jehoshaphat Oppong Mensah’s talk on “Flavonoids as potential pharmacophores for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins: an in silico study”
8. Oral presentation 3 – Rachel Nyarko-Morrison’s talk on “Global Women’s Experiences with food insecurity during the pandemic”

• Identified education and lack of income were strongly associated with food insecurity

9. Closing remarks by the Chairman, Provost of CoS, Prof Leonard K. Amekudzi

• Acknowledged the importance of the workshop and thanked all the keynote speakers for the day
• Admonished participants to join the webinar for the next day and encouraged all to keep observing the covid protocols.

10. Closing prayer was said by Dr. Amma Larbi after a brief evaluation of the session. Program closed at 12:47pm.

Day 2: 28th April 2021.

Moderator – Dr. Kwadwo Boampong

Program started – 10:30 a.m.

Opening prayer and introduction of dignitaries – Dr. Abena Boakye

Dr. Abena Boakye further gave a brief overview of events of the previous session

1st Keynote Speaker - Prof Mohamed Mutocheluh

Title: Herbal Medicines against COVID-19: Are we there yet?

• More than 80% of Africans use herbal medication

• Traditional herbal medicine has been successfully used in the treatment of SARS in China and malaria globally
• Nibima (Cryptolepis sanguinolenta) is the first herbal product approved by Ghana’s FDA for the COVID-19 study

Opportunities for Africans

• Easily accessible and affordable
• Capitalize on rich biodiversity in Africa
• Multibillion industry

Challenges of herbal medicines 

• Lack of extensive clinical trials
• Purported to treat almost all diseases
• Practitioners double as spiritualists
• Political interference and propaganda 

The Way Forward

• There is the need for more investment to undertake phase III clinical trials
• Most traditional herbalists need adequate knowledge of the science behind their products
• Build their capacity and formalize their practices

2nd keynote speaker: Dr. Laud Anthony Basing

Title: Technological and Engineering Pathways in covid-19

• Veronica buckets, drones, cheap ventilators, etc were developed to prevent and aid treatment
• Apps were developed to aid contact tracing and track disease hotspots
• Home-based GIS, robots and thermal sensors, COVID RDTs were developed to diagnose the disease
• Telehealth was strengthened to address misinformation

Challenges 

• Low intake of African innovations
• Lack of funding by the government
• Competition by the government

Way forward

• We need to invest more in homegrown technological solutions
• Collaboration between academia and industry

3rd keynote speaker: Dr. Gideon Boako

Title: Socioeconomic responses to the COVID-19 pandemic

• The government of Ghana (GoG) provided free water and subsidized electricity bill
• Reduction in interest rate and cost involved in MoMo transfers
• Establishment of COVID-19 Trust fund to procure PPEs, support SMEs and provide food for the vulnerable
• Provision of incentives for frontline health workers

Keynote Speaker: Ing. Prof. Mark Adom-Asamoah

Title: Engineering pathways in the era of covid-19

• Manufacture of thermometer guns, ventilators, and oxygen tanks 
• Construction of Ghana Infectious Treatment Center

Lessons

• We need to be self-sufficient in terms of engineering and science

Proposed pathways

• Research and development in the area of biomedical equipment
• Establish well-resourced centers for engineers
• Government support

1st Oral presentation by Alimatu Sardiya

Title: The influence of COVID-19 on attendance and punctuality on healthcare workers

• Most health workers including nurses and mortuary workers reduced their working hours
• Nurses were also likely for absenteeism

2nd Oral presentation by Dr. Benedict Barnes

Title: The Mathematical Model for the Epidemiology of COVID-19 in Ghana

Presentation of awards by Dr. Jacob Agbenorhevi (GSA Kumasi President).

Listed below are the various Awards that were given.

DEPARTMENT

Overall Best Department: DEPARTMENT OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY-KNUST

2nd Best Department: DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

3rd Best Department: DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY-KNUST

AUTHOR with the highest number of abstracts

Overall Best Author: DR. LAWRENCE S. BORQUAYE

2nd Best Author: PROF. IBOK N. ODURO

3rd Best Author: DR. MARINA AFERIBA TANDOH

ORAL PRESENTATION

Overall Best Oral Presenter: PATRICK OFORI

2nd Best Oral Presenter: JEHOSHAPHAT OPPONG MENSAH

3rd Best Oral Presenter: RAHEL NYARKO-MORRISON

POSTER PRESENTATION

Overall Best Poster Presenter: STEPHEN OPOKU AFRIYIE

2nd Best Poster Presenter: CALEB NKETIA MENSAH

3rd Best Poster Presenter: ABIGAIL KUSIWAA ADOMAKO

4th Best Poster Presenter: GERTRUDE ADOMAA ASANTE AMPADU

5th Best Poster Presenter: GIDEON ADDAI KUSI

SPECIAL AWARDS/HONOURS

Special Honour/Recognition for Meritorious Contributions:

• Prof. (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson (Vice-Chancellor, KNUST)
• Prof. Ellis Owusu-Dabo (Pro Vice-Chancellor,KNUST )
• Prof. Leonard K. Amekudzi (Provost-CoS, KNUST)
• Prof. Mark Adom-Asamoah (Provost-CoE).
• Prof. Christian Agyare (Provost-CHS)
• Prof. Ben. B.K. Banful (Provost-CANR)
• Prof. Aboagye Menyeh
• Ps. Prof. William Otoo Ellis
• Prof. (Mrs.) Ibok N. Oduro
• Prof. R.C. Abaidoo
• Prof. Joseph Nketiah Berchie
• Prof. Kwasi Obiri-Danso
• Prof. R.K. Nkum
• Prof. (Mrs.) Victoria P. Dzogbefia
• Prof. Sylvester K. Danuor
• Prof. K. Owusu-Daaku
• Dr. W.K.B.A Owiredu
• Prof. William Gariba Akanwariwiak
• DR. SAMUEL AIKINS*
• Prof. Isaac Williams Ofosu
• Dr. David Ben Kumah
• Prof. Peter Twumasi
• Dr. Ebenezer J.D. Belford
• Dr. (Mrs). Gloria M. Ankar-Brewoo
• Prof. Nathaniel Owusu Boadi
• Prof. Patrick Addo-Fodjour
• Dr. (Mrs) Linda A. Ofori  and many others were recognized for their hardwork.

CORPORATE/ORGANIZATIONS/INSTITUTIONS

Recognition for Meritorious Contributions

• College of Science -KNUST
• College of Health Sciences -KNUST
• College of Engineering-KNUST
• College of Agriculture and Natural Resources-KNUST
• CSIR, Kumasi
• National Sports Authority
• TekTV-KNUST
• The MULTIMEDIA
• Taabea (Kiss Me Hair Food)
• Nasbiplus Company Ltd
• GOIL Company Ltd
• ABN (PURE FM).

After the awards, the LOC chairperson, Dr. (Mrs.) Sylverken summarized lessons learnt during the 2-day webinar and appreciated dignitaries, keynote speakers, LOC members and all who made the conference a success. Dr. Amma Larbi said the closing prayer. Meeting ended at 1:12p.m. The two-day GSA Webinar 2021 was a success.

A Book of Abstracts has been produced. 

Proud Sponsors: College of Science-KNUST, Office of the Vice-Chancellor/University Relations Office (URO)-KNUST, Prof Christian Agyare -Provost-CHS,  College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Goil Company Limited, Kumasi branch  Taabea company, Nasbiplus Company Ltd,  Atwima Rural Bank, Tek TV, Multimedia and Angel Broadcasting Network (ABN)- PureFm.

LOC: Dr. (Mrs.) Augustina Angelina Sylverken (Chairperson), Dr. Amma Aboagyewa Larbi (Secretary), Prof. Vincent Logah, Dr. Harry Okyere, and Dr. Nana Baah Pepra-Ameyaw.

 

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