The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Ghana has held its National Sports Festival, bringing together staff from various institutes to promote healthy living, unity and collaboration.
The event, which took place after a four-year break, saw participation from several CSIR institutes in the Southern Zone, including the Animal Research Institute, Food Research Institute, Oil Palm Research Institute and the Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute.
Mr Francis Boateng Agyenim, the Director of the CSIR-Institute of Industrial Research, in an interview with GNA Sports, said the festival was important because it focused on the wellbeing of staff.
“We are human beings. We need our health before we do science,” he said, adding that the games created an opportunity for staff to socialise, share knowledge and build networks.
He noted that the collaboration among institutes in the Southern Zone had been strong, explaining that the games allowed researchers to interact and even discuss their work in a relaxed environment.
Mr. Agyenim also called on individuals and organisations to support CSIR activities, suggesting that future editions could combine sports with exhibitions to help the public better understand the work of the institution.
“A lot of Ghanaians are unaware of what we do, and this event will be an eye-opener,” he added.
Dr Collins Okrah, the National President of the CSIR Research Staff Association, described the festival as a decisive moment for members across the institutes.
He said the event brought together researchers not in laboratories or offices but on the field, united by teamwork and a shared commitment to wellness.
“This sports festival is more than just a competition. It is a celebration of unity in diversity,” he said.
Dr Okrah explained that the demanding nature of research work made it necessary for staff to balance their professional duties with physical activity and social interaction.
He urged participants to compete with fairness and sportsmanship, stressing that the main goal was to strengthen unity and build lasting relationships.
Dr Gregory Afra Komlaga, the Deputy Director of the CSIR-Food Research Institute, who also participated in the football tournament, highlighted the importance of physical activity in improving mental performance.
He said regular exercise helped researchers to stay refreshed and maintain a sound mind, which ultimately boosts productivity.
According to him, while sporting activities are important, they should be designed in a way that allows all staff, including older researchers, to participate.
Mr Ibrahim Kwame Asante, Coordinator for Technology Transfer at the CSIR Head Office, emphasised the need for discipline and good health among researchers.
He encouraged staff to take their wellbeing seriously, noting that good health contributes to productivity and long-term service to the nation.
“Prevention is better than cure,” he said, urging participants to eat well, rest and stay hydrated.
At the end of the competition, the CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute emerged as the overall champions with 86 points.
The CSIR-Oil Palm Research Institute placed second with 64 points, while the CSIR-Animal Research Institute finished third with 56 points.
The festival formed part of efforts by CSIR to promote staff welfare, strengthen collaboration among institutes and enhance productivity through a healthy workforce.
