GHANA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENTISTS INAUGURATES NEW EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WITH AMBITIOUS SEVEN-FOLD STRATEGIC PLAN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Public Relations Officer

Ghana Institute of Geoscientists

Email: info@ghig.org

Date: February 7, 2026

ACCRA, Ghana –The Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhIG), the nation’s premier professional body for earth scientists, successfully held its Executive Officer’s Handing Over Ceremony on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Nuclear Power Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC). The event marked a significant milestone in the Institute’s journey toward becoming a leading voice in geoscience across Africa.

The historic ceremony, chaired by Professor Samuel Boakye Dampare, Director-General of GAEC, witnessed the formal transition of leadership as incoming executive officers took the oath of office and oath of secrecy. The solemn oath-taking reaffirmed their commitment to advancing geoscience in Ghana while upholding the highest standards of professional practice and ethical conduct. The twelve-member team comprises positions including President, General Secretary, Vice Presidents for Academia, Industry, and Public Sector, Public Relations Officer, Treasure, Website Officer and four Regional Sector Representatives.

CELEBRATING LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS

Reporting on achievements from the past two years, the outgoing president Mr Crisler Akwei Ankrah outlined significant institutional milestones achieved during the previous tenure that have fundamentally strengthened GhIG’s capacity, credibility, and national standing:

• Successfully transitioned GhIG into a fully registered Professional Body under Ghanaian law, establishing the Institute’s legal mandate and authority.
• Established robust financial accountability with annual independent audits, ensuring transparency and prudent stewardship of member resources.
• Achieved comprehensive digital transformation including online registration, automated ID and payment systems, digital membership cards, and a secure e-voting platform which were all designed to make member experience seamless and professional.
• Hosted a record-breaking national conference at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), bringing together geoscientists from across the nation.
• Launched impactful community outreach programs, including World Geoscience Day activities in schools, to inspire the next generation and demystify earth sciences for public good.
• Secured Ghana’s selection to host the prestigious 31st Colloquium of African Geology (CAG31) in 2027, a testament to GhIG’s growing credibility and continental leadership

“These achievements were not individual efforts, but collective victories that demonstrate what we can accomplish when we work together with shared purpose,” Mr Ankrah stated in his address. “We have laid a solid foundation for our future.”

A STRATEGIC VISION FOR THE FUTURE

The newly inaugurated President who also happens to be Mr Ankrah, presented a comprehensive Seven-Fold Strategic Work Plan designed to propel GhIG to new heights of relevance, impact, and unity. This plan consolidates the Institute’s collective vision and translates it into tangible outcomes with clear quarterly milestones:

1. Advocate for the Geoscience Act to Reality – The Institute will move beyond drafting to decisive action, championing passage of the Geoscience Act through strategic engagement with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Attorney-General’s Department, Cabinet, and Parliament. This law will empower GhIG, regulate professional practice, ensure ethical resource exploitation, and hold practitioners accountable.
2. Forge Strategic & Sustainable Collaborations – GhIG will strengthen and formalize partnerships with key stakeholders including the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA), Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Petroleum Commission, relevant ministries, academia, and allied professional bodies. A major highlight is Ghana’s hosting of the 31st Colloquium of African Geology (CAG31) in Accra in 2027, for which the Institute has already constituted a Local Organizing Committee to ensure success.
3. Bridge the Gap Between Academia, Industry & Policy – The Institute commits to closing the divide between learning and practice by launching an enhanced mentorship program, establishing structured industrial attachments, and enhancing the Young Geoscientists’ Forum. Through workshops, policy dialogues, and the flagship GhIG Biennial Conference (GHIGCON), GhIG will ensure members are industry-ready and that research directly addresses national challenges like sustainable mining, water security, and geohazards.
4. Invest in Member Growth, Welfare & Recognition – Recognizing that members are GhIG’s greatest asset, the Institute will institutionalize formal induction ceremonies to foster belonging and professional pride. A new Welfare and Scholarship Fund will support students and early-career professionals. The Institute will also launch a Register of Distinguished Senior Geoscientists to honor those who paved the way.
5. Enhance Visibility, Communication & Public Engagement – GhIG will amplify its voice as the authoritative body on geoscience matters through dynamic digital presence, regular newsletters, and timely thought leadership on national issues. The Institute will expand community and school outreach programs to inspire the next generation and engage the public on matters of environmental stewardship and resource management.
6. Ensure Financial Sustainability & Transparent Governance – The Institute will diversify revenue streams through strategic partnerships, branded merchandise, and prudent financial management. GhIG commits to leadership of openness with quarterly reports to Council and bi-annual updates to members.
7. Empower Regional Participation & National Cohesion – Recognizing that GhIG’s strength lies in its nationwide network, Sector Representatives will activate local chapters, drive region-specific Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events, and ensure every member (from Tamale through Nyankpala to Takoradi and Tarkwa) feels seen, heard, and valued. The Institute will extend a warm hand of recommitment to those who have grown distant.

“This journey is not mine alone. It is ours,” President Ankrah emphasized. “I call on every member, the passionate, the skeptical, and the weary, to re-engage. Let us rebuild our Institute with a spirit of service and camaraderie.”

POSITIONING FOR CONTINENTAL LEADERSHIP

The ceremony marks a pivotal moment for GhIG as it positions itself to play an increasingly strategic role in Ghana’s sustainable development agenda, particularly in sustainable mining, water security, and geohazard management. The Institute aims to be not just a professional body, but a thought leader influencing national policy and practice in earth sciences.

With Ghana set to host the 31st Colloquium of African Geology in 2027, the Institute is poised to demonstrate continental leadership in geoscience excellence and innovation. This represents a proud moment for Ghana and underscores the confidence the African geoscience community has placed in GhIG.

“We stand on the shoulders of giants whose sacrifice built this Institute,” President Ankrah concluded. “With humility, we accept the baton. With determination, we will run our leg of the race. With faith, we invoke God’s guidance for strength and wisdom. Let us go forward, not as individuals, but as a formidable collective, strategically relevant, socially impactful, and professionally excellent.”

ABOUT GHANA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENTISTS

The Ghana Institute of Geoscientists (GhIG) is Ghana’s premier professional body for earth scientists, dedicated to advancing geoscience knowledge, practice, and policy for sustainable national development. As a registered professional body under Ghanaian law, GhIG serves as the authoritative voice on geoscience matters in Ghana, bringing together professionals from academia, industry, and the public sector to address the nation’s earth science challenges and opportunities.

For more information, visit https://ghig.org/

ENDS.