FSSE-UEW's 7th Biennial Conference Illuminates Post-Pandemic Pathways
The Faculty of Social Sciences Education (FSSE) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) convened its highly anticipated 7th Biennial Conference, igniting illuminating discourse and scholarly exchange under the theme "Bringing the Gown to Town: Governance, Society, and Post-Pandemic Adjustment."
Held over two days from Tuesday, 26th, to Wednesday, 27th March, 2024, the conference unfolded at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre (JAMCC) and FSSE Block, North Campus, Winneba.
At the opening ceremony, Prof. Anselm Komla Abotsi, Dean of FSSE, illuminated the enduring legacy of the conference as well as the academic excellence and institutional growth of FSSE. Drawing inspiration from the conference theme, Prof. Abotsi underscored the imperative of navigating the post-pandemic landscape with resilience and foresight, setting the stage for thought-provoking discussions and insights.
Prof. Victor Antwi, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW and Chair for the occasion, articulated the significance of academic conferences as crucibles of intellectual engagement and societal transformation. Reflecting on the theme's relevance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof. Antwi highlighted the imperative of reevaluating governance structures, societal resilience, and economic sustainability in the face of unprecedented challenges.
The conference's speakers, including Prof. Peter Quartey from the University of Ghana's Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), Prof. Samuel Kojo Kwofie, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Ghana, and Prof. Samuel Annim from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), delivered incisive presentations on the economic and statistical implications of post-pandemic adjustments.
Prof. Quartey's sobering analysis of Ghana's economic landscape underlined the detrimental effects of the pandemic on already-existing economic issues confronting the nation and underscored the urgency of pragmatic policy interventions to mitigate the pandemic's adverse effects and foster sustainable recovery.
Prof. Samuel Kojo Kwofie from the University of Ghana elucidated the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in managing the pandemic's aftermath. His thought-provoking discourse underscored the imperative of policy integration and innovation to harness the power of technology for societal resilience and progress.
Similarly, Prof. Annim, the keynote speaker’s impassioned call to action emphasised the pivotal role of researchers, statistical agencies, and civil society in addressing the statistical imperatives of post-pandemic adjustments. Prof. Annim advocated for collaborative stewardship and responsible governance to navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic era.
Amidst captivating cultural performances and enlightening sessions, participants engaged in exhibitions and seminars exploring a myriad of topics related to the conference theme. From governance dynamics to societal resilience and technological innovation, the FSSE-UEW's 7th Biennial Conference emerged as a beacon of intellectual inquiry and collaborative scholarship, illuminating pathways for post-pandemic renewal and advancement.
As the curtains draw on this transformative gathering, the echoes of insightful dialogue and scholarly exchange reverberate far beyond the confines of the conference halls, inspiring a collective commitment to navigating the challenges of the post-pandemic era with resilience, innovation, and unwavering resolve.