The School of Social Sciences at the University of Ghana successfully hosted its 8th International Conference at the Cedi Conference Centre.
The two-day event, which brought together leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, centered around the theme: “Resilience, Growth, and Sustainability in the Post-COVID-19 Era.”
The conference sought to explore innovative strategies for building resilient and sustainable systems in a rapidly evolving global landscape, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The opening ceremony featured distinguished keynote speakers, including the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, who was represented by The Asere Tsono Mantse, Nii Quao Donkor II, and Prof. Festus Ebo Turkson, a renowned economist from the University of Ghana’s Department of Economics. These speakers delivered profound insights into the critical role of resilience and sustainability in promoting societal growth in the face of unprecedented challenges.
The Significance of Unity and Collective Resilience
In his keynote address, Nii Quao Donkor II underscored the vital importance of social bonds and collective action in fostering resilience. He highlighted how these elements have been key to Ghanaian society’s ability to navigate past crises and will continue to play an essential role in addressing current and future challenges.
“What has remained constant in our ability to rise is our unity, which speaks to our strength and our collective resilience, supported not only by our physical capabilities but also by the strength of our minds and spirits,” he remarked. He emphasized that this unity lies at the heart of the social sciences, which play a crucial role in strengthening social bonds and fostering collective action, especially in addressing the vulnerabilities of diverse groups within society.
Nii Quao Donkor II further reflected on the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that it has compelled societies to rethink resilience strategies. “The post-COVID world compels us to rebuild our systems with resilience at their core, ensuring they can withstand future shocks. As we emerge from the pandemic, we must reinforce the social structures that support our communities, making them more adaptable to future challenges,” he said. He stressed that the social sciences have a pivotal role in balancing the demands of modernity with the preservation of cultural heritage.
Culture and Modernization: Finding a Balance
The Ga Mantse also discussed how the social sciences serve as a bridge between culture and modernization, providing invaluable insights for developing institutions that are both globally relevant and locally responsive. “Just as our society has evolved through centuries of change, we must adapt our systems to meet modern demands while remaining true to our cultural roots,” Nii Quao Donkor II asserted, emphasizing the need for culturally-sensitive solutions to contemporary issues.
The Role of Social Sciences in Sustainable Growth
The event’s focus on resilience was echoed by Prof. Joseph Yaro, Provost of the College of Humanities, who highlighted the essential role of the social sciences in fostering sustainable development. Prof. Yaro noted, “Resilience is essential for our existence, and growth must be sustainable. This conference addresses sustainable development needed to tackle current global challenges.”
He lauded the efforts of the School of Social Sciences in equipping scholars with the necessary skills to address pressing issues across Africa and beyond. “The School of Social Sciences possesses the knowledge and tools necessary to confront the significant issues we face as a continent, from economic inequality to environmental degradation,” he added.
University of Ghana’s Commitment to Innovation and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Ghana, also delivered remarks, reaffirming the university’s commitment to fostering a human-centered approach to research, teaching, and learning. He highlighted the growing importance of technology in addressing global challenges but emphasized the need for technological solutions to remain grounded in human welfare.
“We continue to face the wide-ranging effects of climate change, poverty, and social inequalities. Our society relies on evidence-based solutions to tackle these challenges. Thus, we are committed to achieving global impact through innovative research, teaching, and learning, utilizing technology-based and people-centered methodologies,” Prof. Awandare stated.
He emphasized that the University of Ghana encourages interdisciplinary collaboration in research, especially in fields critical to sustainable development. “The Social Sciences act as the connective tissue among various academic disciplines. Their work is indispensable in addressing collective challenges and fostering resilience across multiple sectors,” he said.
A Vision for the Future
The conference concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Joseph Yaro, who expressed deep gratitude to the organizing committee and all participants. He praised the School of Social Sciences for assembling an impressive array of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from across Africa and the world. “I am proud of the School of Social Sciences for assembling a strong team that mobilized participants from diverse backgrounds to engage in discussions on this vital theme. I extend my thanks to the dean and the organizing committee for their tireless efforts in making this year’s conference a success,” he said.
The two-day event featured a variety of panel discussions, workshops, and presentations on topics ranging from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to the role of education in building resilient communities. Participants explored how social science research can contribute to addressing global challenges, including climate change, economic recovery, and social inequality, while also promoting growth and sustainability.
The 8th International Conference of the School of Social Sciences was a significant step forward in fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on resilience and sustainability in the post-COVID-19 era. The event reinforced the University of Ghana’s role as a leading institution for research and innovation in Africa, with a commitment to developing solutions that are not only sustainable but also socially inclusive.
Source:
3news.com
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