UEW Hosts Launch of ACS Ghana Chapter
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has hosted the official inauguration and launch of the American Chemical Society (ACS) International Chemical Sciences Chapter, Ghana. This event marks a significant milestone in advancing the chemical sciences and promoting international scientific collaboration in the country.
The two-day event, held at the Students Centre Seminar Room III under the theme “Advancing Chemistry for Sustainable Development in Ghana,” brought together scientists, researchers, industry practitioners, policymakers and students from Ghana, across Africa and the United States.
Welcoming participants, Prof. Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW, described the inauguration as a significant step towards strengthening research networks, promoting scientific excellence and fostering innovation-driven solutions to national and global challenges.
She noted that chemistry remains central to addressing critical issues such as climate change, environmental sustainability, food security, public health, industrial growth and energy transition. According to her, the newly established chapter will serve as a platform for collaboration among researchers, educators, industry leaders and policymakers while nurturing the next generation of scientists.
Prof. Esther Danso-Wiredu further reaffirmed UEW's commitment to advancing science, education and research, expressing confidence that the chapter would catalyse mentorship, capacity building, knowledge exchange and international partnerships, positioning Ghanaian chemistry on the global stage.
Launching the chapter, Prof. James Darkwa, Chair of the ACS Ghana Chapter, revealed that Ghana is only the fourth country in Africa to establish an ACS International Chemical Sciences Chapter after South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt. He noted that the chapter officially received approval on 1st January, 2026 following a rigorous international accreditation process.
Prof. Darkwa described the launch as the culmination of years of effort to strengthen chemistry education, research and professional development in Ghana. He explained that the initiative emerged from discussions at the ACS Middle East and Africa Conference in Abu Dhabi in 2024 and was driven by a vision to connect Ghanaian scientists to global opportunities, collaborations and cutting-edge research.
He credited the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) for playing a pivotal role in the chapter's establishment, highlighting the university's leadership in promoting chemistry through initiatives such as Ghana's first Chemistry Festival. He also urged young scientists and students to embrace the opportunities offered by the chapter. He stressed that the future of chemistry in Ghana depends on the next generation of researchers and innovators.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Samuel Awuah, Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Kentucky, presented on “Reimagining Ghana's Gold for Industrial and Sustainable Development Through Gold Medicines and Nanotechnology.” His presentation explored innovative applications of Ghana's gold resources in medicine and nanotechnology, demonstrating how scientific innovation can drive industrial transformation and sustainable development.
Representing the American Chemical Society, Prof. Michael McGinnis, Vice-President for Academic Affairs at Saint Francis University, USA, and Chair of the ACS International Activities Committee, congratulated Ghana on joining the global ACS family.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration between the ACS Ghana Chapter and the Ghana Chemical Society. He noted that strong partnerships are essential for sustaining impactful scientific programmes. He encouraged members to take advantage of the numerous grants, awards, professional development programmes and international networking opportunities available through ACS.
Prof. McGinnis expressed confidence that the Ghana Chapter would become a vibrant platform for supporting students, empowering professionals, advancing scientific knowledge and promoting the celebration of chemistry throughout Ghana and beyond.
The launch concluded with renewed calls for stronger scientific collaboration, greater investment in chemistry education and research and the strategic application of science and innovation to accelerate Ghana's sustainable development agenda.
