Tag: Science Communication

The Role of Geophysics in Attaining the Sustainable Development Goals in Ghana

Global lab Network hosted its first Science Cafe of the year on 28th September 2023. The topic for the event was, ‘Geophysics as a Tool for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Ghana’. The topic was presented by Dr. Cyril Boateng a geophysicist who holds a PhD from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) under the CAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences)-TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences) Presidential Fellowship. He now works as a Lecturer and Researcher at the Department of Physics of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST. The event sought to delve into the role geophysics can play and has played in achieving the SDGs in Ghana. The SDGs

The event commenced with an icebreaker, a show and tell game, kick starting the event for an engaging presentation on the role of geophysics in attaining the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Mr. Gameli introduced Global Lab network as a bridge between the scientific community and the society. He emphasized on how Science is not finished until effectively communicated and the significance of effectively communicating science.

Defining Sustainable Development Goals and Geophysics

Dr. Boateng introduced the audience to the 17 sustainable development goals and then went on to define Geophysics. He defined geophysics as an interdisciplinary branch of earth science that utilizes physics, mathematics, geology, and computer science to study the earth’s structure and composition. He went on to further explain that geophysics employs techniques such as seismology and geomagnetism to measure the Earth’s physical properties and understand its behavior.

Geophysics is an interdisciplinary branch of earth science that utilizes physics, mathematics, geology, and computer science to study the earth’s structure and composition.

Practical use of geophysics

Dr. Boateng highlighted several practical applications of geophysics, indicating its significance in achieving the SDGs:

  • Archaeological Investigations: Geophysics plays an important role when it comes to conducting surveys for archaeological investigations especially those related to slavery in the southeastern part of Ghana. Dr. Boateng stated, ‘To understand the present, we must study the past because the chains of the past still binds us’. This contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing training to students and introducing the subject to the community.
  • Community outreach: Dr. Boateng emphasized community engagement and outreach on aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities); past history should be kept alive to track their growth overtime in order to build a sustainable future. This aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities.
  • Groundwater Availability Prediction: An AI-based system predicting groundwater availability benefits farmers for irrigation and enabling sustainable agriculture and also for community use  aligning with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger and SDG 6 ( Clean water and sanitation)
  • Coastal Erosion mitigation: Geophysics aids in protecting coastal communities from losing heritage and natural resources while also facilitating sustainable  and efficient exploration for minerals, oil, and gas aligning with SDG 13(Climate action)
  • Forensic Investigations: Geophysics supports police investigations by providing targeted searches for forensic crime detection.

To understand the present, we must study the past because the chains of the past still binds us

Dr. Cyril Boateng

During the event, some attendees raised pertinent questions:

  • One asked about the role of geophysics in addressing floods in cities during the rainy season. Dr. Boateng explained its contribution to understanding subsurface conditions and optimizing underground drainage systems.
  • Another inquired on expanding research, collaboration with agencies for practical models, and measures for earthquake resilience. Dr. Boateng highlighted funding opportunities for large scale research, collaborations with agencies like NADMO, and the need for practical application of research findings.

cross section of the participants on the call

In conclusion, Geophysics plays a crucial role in addressing multiple Sustainable Development Goals ranging from education and community engagement to environmental protection and disaster preparedness. It enables us to understand the Earth’s subsurface, predict natural disasters, and contribute to sustainable development.

Watch the full discussion in the video below and check out our Science Cafe for videos of our previous discussions. Our next event for the year, Community Event , will be held on 18th November 2023. A Movie & discussion programme will be held at Academic City University where the movie titled, The man who knew infinity would be shown, followed by an interactive discussion on the movie. Register for the next event by clicking   You’re also welcome to join our Facebook group or follow our Twitter feed to get quick updates on this and future events/activities.

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Discussing the Role of R&D in Ghana’s Development

Global Lab Network hosted the final Science Cafe of 2021 on 17 December on the topic ‘The Role of R&D in Ghana’s National Development‘. The event attracted participants from academia, industry, the public sector, and the STEAM community given its interdisciplinary nature. With contributions from leading academic and industry experts, the session explored the R&D landscape in Ghana and proposed how it can be nurtured to spur national development.

The programme started with a presentation by the keynote speaker Mr Leo Ayerakwa. Leo is currently serving as a Senior Manager, Regulatory Strategy & Preclinical Sciences Expert in the Oncology Business Group at Eisai Pharma Europe Ltd, UK.

Leo’s presentation covered Ghana’s R&D policy and implementation framework, the current state of R&D in Ghana, and the future state of R&D. His recommendations for the future included a 10-point action plan diagnosing and addressing pain points/constraints to harnessing R&D for economic growth. One of the revelations of the presentation was the existence of an independent, non-governmental, and non-profit organisation called Research and Grant Institute of Ghana (ReGIG) dedicated to supporting research and innovation in Ghana by addressing inadequate funding and support for research in the country.

Explaining the linkages between research and economic performance

The presentation was followed by a moderated panel discussion reflecting on Leo’s submissions, and exploring how to address STEM education at all levels while providing pathways to meaningful engagement through jobs and innovation. Joining Leo in the panel discussion, moderated by GLab’s Gameli Adzaho, were Prof Marian Nkansah and Dr Kwame Sarpong Asiedu.

A ten-point proposal to transform R&D in Ghana

Prof Marian Nkansah is an environmental chemist at KNUST and a science communicator who is passionate about linking her research to society to create sustainable impact. She is a multiple award-winning scientist who is a Next Einstein Forum Fellow and an active member of the Global Young Academy. Dr Kwame Sarpong Asiedu on the other hand is a pharmacist and lecturer, with previous leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry. He is a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (UK) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, and a Democracy and Development Fellow in Health with the Ghana Centre for Democracy and Development.

The discussion centred around experiences with the research and development landscape in Ghana, good examples of STI implementation, existing gaps, funding research, going from research to innovation, public perception of science, and the way forward. The point was made that R&D, incorporating indigenous knowledge, can drive government’s One District One Factory initiative for example. The important relationship between research and industry was raised many times in the conversation, while the need to popularise science to inspire behaviour change among citizens was emphasised. On advocating for the scientific community at the highest levels of governance, it was recommended that the Presidential Advisory Council on Science, Technology and Innovation (PACSTI) should team up with the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS).

The session, which was very interactive and engaging, attracted scientists and science enthusiasts in Ghana and beyond. Jekoniya Chitereka, a Zimbabwean science, technology, and innovation policy researcher at the University of Leeds, highlighted the importance of appreciating the non-linear or ‘spaghetti’ nature of the relationship between R&D and economic development. He emphasised the importance of developing strong relationships between various stakeholders to spur innovation. This also brings to mind the importance of interdisciplinary research that address complex challenges.

Snapshot of some of the participants

If scientific research and innovation should play its intended role in Ghana’s development, there is the need to make STEAM education in Ghana fit for purpose, while addressing the funding and infrastructure issues faced by researchers. We must challenge ourselves to implement the plans in our STI policy in order to realise the promise of R&D. Government, industry, academia, and civil society need to work more collaboratively to define, undertake, and utilise research to address local needs. To quote Leo, ‘it is about our collective effort in unlocking all that individual effort in a syngergistic way…’

Follow Global Lab Network on Twitter and Facebook to be updated on our future sessions or join our Community to contribute to our work and engage with likeminded science enthusiasts.

Video recording of the session

Global Lab Network to Host Three Experts to Discuss the Role of R&D in Ghana’s Development

Global Lab Network is pleased to announce its final Science Cafe of the year. The event will be held online on Friday 17 December at 6:15 PM GMT under the theme The Role of Research and Development (R&D) in Ghana’s National Development.

The goal of the December 2021 edition of Science Cafe is to explore the current state of the R&D / technological sector in Ghana, as a transformative force in Africa’s development goals, with the help of key experts in academia and industry. The session will begin with a presentation by Leo Ayerakwa, FRSB, followed by a moderated discussion also featuring Professor Marian Nkansah and Dr Kwame Sarpong Asiedu, and conclude with an open discussion and Q&A session with all participants present.

Announcing December 2021 Science Cafe

The keynote Speaker, Mr Leo Ayerakwa has played a variety roles in medicines, pharmaceuticals and biomedical R&D over a 25-year career within the global pharmaceutical industry, graduating from University College, London (UCL), School of Pharmacy, University of London, and following post-graduate studies from universities in the UK.

He is currently serving as a Senior Manager, Regulatory Strategy & Preclinical Sciences Expert in the Oncology Business Group at Eisai Pharma Europe Ltd, UK with a broad therapeutic area experience in cancer, neurology, metabolic & cardiovascular diseases, having previously had a spell as a visiting professor on the Neuroscience MSc. course, Trinity College, University of Dublin.

Leo is a UK/EU board-certified toxicologist, advises biotech companies as a consultant, and was recently elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society of Biology, UK.

Prof. Marian Asantewah Nkansah is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, where she obtained her BSc. and MSc. degrees. She holds a PhD in Environmental Chemistry from the University of Bergen-Norway.

Prof. Nkansah’s research span a wide range of fields including finding solutions to environmental problems associated with levels and fate of toxic substances like heavy/trace metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in different environmental matrices. She has quite a number of peer reviewed articles and books to her credit.

Prof. Nkansah has received training in Science Diplomacy and Science Advice for Policy. She has been on both national and international platforms where science is discussed for better public understanding. She is a thought leader and motivational speaker.

Prof. Nkansah is a member of the Global Young Academy, an affiliate of TWAS and AAS, a member of the Ghana Young Academy and fellow of the Next Einstein Forum (NEF). She is the inaugural recipient of the TWAS F.M Al-Kharafi Prize and the 2021 winner of the OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award for Women Scientists. She is the immediate Past Warden of Africa Hall of KNUST, a member of the Women in STEM Ghana group and is committed to the mentorship of younger females in their pursuit of STEM fields, and serves as a role model for young girls at the basic level of their education. She was recently selected to join the Executive Committee of the International Year of Basic Science for Sustainable Development (IYBSSD) scheduled for June, 2022 to June, 2023.  She enjoys teaching, storytelling, travelling and hiking.

Kwame Sarpong Asiedu is a Pharmacist whose pharmaceutical career spans over 22 years and has included stints in academia with universities in Ghana and the United Kingdom, as well as leadership roles with Boots UK Limited and Lexden Healthcare at the regional and global level.

He is a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana as well as the Institute of Pharmacy Management International. He is also a Democracy and Development Fellow in Health with the Ghana Centre for Democracy and Development.

An accomplished Public Speaker, Kwame is passionate about public interest advocacy and the improvement of healthcare access across Ghana and the West African sub-region.

Some of the issues to be explored during the session include how to strengthen the R&D capacity in Ghana, determining the role of the private sector in building the R&D ecosystem, examining the progress of the proposed national research fund.

Science Cafe is a knowledge exchange and networking platform that connects scientists, innovators, and the general public, to promote community dialogue and scientific inquiry in informal venues such as coffee houses, bookstores, restaurants, bars, and online. Global Lab Network has organised 10 Science Cafes since 2018 featuring talks from researchers and innovators in public health, technology, mathematics, biotechnology, WASH, urban planning, environmental science, and public policy. These conversations have been useful in re-emphasising the importance of science, technology, and innovation to national development, and also helping to bridge the gap between science and society.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Science Cafe. To join this session kindly register at https://forms.gle/3QXuiVgeYVWuPMGF8.

Demystifying Anaesthesiology through Public Science Engagement

Report on September 2021 Science Cafe

Presentation by Dr Irene Adorkor Wulff

The medical field is a broad one covering many specialties as there are organs in the human body. Specialist physicians such as neurologists,ophthalmologists, nephrologists and endocrinologists exist to attend to and address specific medical concerns of patients. One of such specialists, an anesthesiologist, plays a central role in alleviating pain experienced during medical surgeries. Naturally, there are many questions about anaesthesiology and its processes. In a bid to demystify this medical field and bring valuable knowledge to patients, students and parents alike, we engaged one of Ghana’s leading experts in anesthesiology,  Dr Irene Adorkor Wulff in the September 2021 edition of Science Cafe. Leading the discussion, we explored how this field of medicine contributes to quality healthcare delivery.

The session began with a fun and educational Kahoot game where participants answered some general questions on science.

Speaking on the topic, Dr Irene Adorkor Wulff  explained anesthesia as a state of controlled temporary loss sensation or awareness induced for medical purposes. The topics she discussed included the need to see an anesthesiologist before surgery, anesthetic technique, giving consent before anesthesia and complications to expect.

Dr Wulff indicated that anesthesia was not a painful medical activity so one needed to feel no pain whether awake or asleep when going through the process. She  however said there could be slight pain after surgeries.


A good anesthetic technique should completely abolish pain. When you are asleep you should not be aware of what is happening  around you

Dr Irene Adorkor Wulff

She assured the participants that anesthesia was safe because it was controlled, saying “there is somebody in charge who is making sure that you are fine and safe”. Dr Wulff said anesthesia was temporary as the patient wakes up after the process is carried out. She explained and likened anesthesia to someone who was travelling to an uncertain place and did not know when he or she would be back. “It is the same with anesthesia. It is our ultimate goal as anesthesiologists to ensure the patient has a safe journey back to consciousness. Anesthesia is irreversible and as safe as possible,” she said.

Elaborating on how safe the anesthesia was, Dr Wulff said before a patient was given an anesthesia, his or her body system, including how the heart, lung and the kidneys functioned, was assessed. After that, “we plan how we will take the patient on the trip and bring him or her back”.

 She mentioned that it was the responsibility of an anesthesiologist to know the equipment s/he would use and know the medication s/he would give as well as know the techniques of anesthesia and the one suitable for a patient.

There are different ways you can approach a surgical operation but you must choose one which matches the surgical procedure, patient and resources

Dr Irene Adorkor Wulff

 Dr Wulff also said an anaesthesiologist must have an expertise in resuscitation stressing that nobody should take a patient on an anaesthesia journey if they could not resuscitate. She added that there was the need for anesthesiologists to monitor meticulously, pay attention to details,  listen to beeps and understand what changes in beep mean.

Picture of participants at Science Cafe

 She, further, said before a surgery, the patient needed to inform the anesthesiologist about previous anesthesia and any complications,  if any. Other things she said a patient needed to disclose were coexisting illnesses,  current medication being taken and medication allergies adding that a patient should also disclose whether or not s/he smokes or drinks alcohol.  

 Meanwhile, Dr Wulff added that the patient also had the right to know all there is s/he needed to know before receiving an anesthesia. She said the patient must give a consent or permission before continuing with the anesthesia

 Dr Wulff further mentioned some of the common complications experienced as side effects of anesthesia. These included headache, nausea and vomiting, chills and shivering and muscle pain. She encouraged individuals to debunk mysteries associated with anesthesia because anesthesia “is all based on sound scientific principle”.

Technology has allowed us to keep you very safe during surgery

Dr Irene Adorkor Wulff

At the end of the session, participants gained an appreciable understanding of what anesthesiology is, why it is important to see an anesthesiologist before having a surgical procedure, the important information to provide to an anesthesiologist and quality and safety in the perioperative period. 

The September edition of Science Cafe was attended by students, professionals and individuals from different countries and varying medical backgrounds. This diverse pool of individuals afforded each participant the opportunity to learn from not only the speaker but the audience.

We want you to share your work or research with us. You’re welcome to propose a session via this link. There is a community of professionals and students waiting to hear from you! Follow us on Twitter and on YouTube to stay updated on our events.

STEM at Work – Perspectives from Research Careers

Report on July 2021 Community Call

Advancement in scientific careers often requires postgraduate degrees and research experience. In this month’s Community Call, we engaged in an extensive and expository discussion with top-level professionals working in different contexts – graduate school, teaching, and industry. 

Joining the call were members of the GLab Community and many students from the Department of Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology of the University of Ghana and beyond. The speakers were Dr Benjamin Owusu (Labcorp, USA) Dr Kwabena Sarpong (Lecturer, University of Ghana) Lois Damptey (PhD student, Open University UK), and Dr Patrick Osei-Owusu (Researcher, University of Chicago).

In an effort to address specific questions targeted at the needs of the audience, the discussion took a ‘question and answer’ approach. The session began with an eye-opening introduction from the speakers about their lives and career journeys, highlighting how they transitioned from their undergraduate degrees, through postgraduate education, to their current positions. 

Speakers sharing their educational and career journey

Diving into the first question ‘How can you make an impact with research?’, Dr Osei-Owusu shared his experience working on the Covid-19 vaccine development and how findings from the research were instrumental in developing safety protocols. He also emphasized the importance of choosing priority topics that have direct impact on human lives and communicating the findings from such research in a relatable manner. Dr Benjamin Owusu stressed the importance of enjoying the process of research. He shared that “ whether you are in the basic science stage of research or the translational stage, you are making an impact and it is relevant to enjoy the process”. 

Addressing the second question “What skills are critical for someone who wants to go into research?” Dr Benjamin Owusu mentioned critical thinking, curiosity and continuous learning as  essential skills for researchers. In addition to these skills hard work, collaboration and networking were noted to be key skills in successful research careers. Dr Kwabena Sarpong shared the ‘not-so-glamorous’ aspects of research and reiterated the essence of building resilience as a researcher. He also mentioned the importance of developing oral and written skills. In an age of information technology, he stated that it is important to have coding skills as it is evolving to be the basics for STEM.

Following this incisive discussion, the speakers went on to discuss the question ‘How is it like trying to get into graduate school in the US?’ The main points  highlighted include:

  • Starting early which translates into being intentional about the application process
  • Building a relationship with your prospective tutors; being upfront about your research interests
  • Building a community of like-minded people (Networking)
  • Writing a well-crafted CV
  • Networking and guidance
  • Writing the GRE

Dr Kwabena Sarpong affirmed that it is normal to get rejections after applying to schools. As a means to hedge any unfavourable outcome, it is recommended to apply to a selected number of  schools. 

Participants engaged in ongoing discussion

Sharing experiences from the UK and European contexts, Lois Damptey shared how personal initiative was instrumental in her ability to secure fully funded scholarships while highlighting the role of friendship and network in attaining goals. She also shared her volunteering and international experiences and explained the role of such engagements in building her portfolio in preparation for graduate school.

A number of  scholarship opportunities and resources were shared in the meeting. Some of these include Python for Science, Freecodecamp’s ‘Python for Scientific Computing’ ​​that teaches beginners how to apply python programming to science and the Coursera platform. Lois also shared the ‘Dear Young Graduate group page and other scholarship websites like Chevening, DAAD, the SINGA Awards and Swedish Institute (SI).

To conclude the session, Dr Fredrick Larbi joined us to reaffirm the need for a Ghanaian Science funding programme. 

The Community Call proved to be insightful with speakers selflessly offering an unadulterated account of their education and career. Participants were very engaged through questions and comments. The session achieved its objective of exploring research careers in working in different contexts and introducing participants to graduate school application processes.

You’re welcome to join the Global Lab Ghana Community on Facebook if you’d like to be engaged on STEM topics and opportunities. Follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube Channel to be updated on our various activities.

Global Lab Network to Host Prof. Bruce Bassett of the University of Cape Town, AIMS South Africa in Science Cafe

Press Release on June 2021 Science Cafe

As an organisation building a STEAM Community for social impact, we are very delighted to host Professor Bruce Bassett in the June edition of Science Cafe.

Prof. Bruce Bassett, Senior Resident Researcher, is head of the Cosmology Group at African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) South Africa. Bruce is a graduate of the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he obtained his MSc in Applied Mathematics. After completing a PhD in Trieste, and a postdoctoral fellowship in Oxford, he lectured at the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation at Portsmouth University. After a sabbatical at Kyoto University he returned to Cape Town to a joint position, Professor of Applied Mathematics at UCT and astronomer at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO).

The event will be held on June 25, 2021 via Zoom on the topic: Cosmology – Study of the Entire Universe. This edition of Science Cafe will explore fundamental questions about the origin of the universe and the changes it has undergone over time and space. The event will also host Sarah Abotsi-Masters of the Ghana Planetarium to share on astronomical organisations and resources in Ghana, and discuss contextual issues around scientific research in Africa.

Sarah Abotsi-Masters is the General Secretary of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), a National Astronomy Education Coordinator (NAEC) for Ghana for the Office of Astronomy for Education (OAE) and a member of the PRAGSAC project team (Promoting Radio Astronomy in Ghana through School Visits and Astronomy Clubs), which uses astronomy to promote STEM and hands-on science through school astronomy clubs.

Promotional flyer for Science Cafe

Science Cafe is a knowledge exchange and networking platform that connects scientists, innovators, and the general public, to promote community dialogue and scientific inquiry in informal venues such as coffee houses, bookstores, restaurants, bars, and online platforms. GLab has been organising Science Cafes in Ghana since August 2018, with speakers drawn from various professional backgrounds.

At the end of the programme, participants will gain a new and informed perspective of the world beyond the earth, with a clearer understanding of the evolution of the universe, and increased awareness of latest scientific developments in Africa. 

To participate in this free session, register online at bit.ly/SciCafeGH.

Developing Basic Internet Safety and Media Literacy Skills

Report on our May 2021 Community Call

Seeing is not always believing and sharing is not always caring

Vanessa Otchere

Have you ever considered your safety on the internet? In an era where practically everything is going digital, with many activities transitioning online, one should be concerned about how to be safe online.  As many online interactions involve sharing personal data and leaving digital footprints on the web, many individuals, companies and countries have increasingly become concerned about cyber safety and the ramifications of privacy breaches. 

Another issue worthy of concern is our ability to tell whether the information we receive through online platforms is accurate. This is crucial since we make important decisions based on what we know, which is increasingly influenced by what we interact with online. We run the risk of being misinformed on key topics like climate change, political happenings, and the COVID-19 pandemic if we do not take care to properly evaluate information we receive. 

In an effort to increase awareness on cybersecurity and media literacy, this month’s Community Call was focused on exploring the concept and practice of internet safety and mis/disinformation. We were joined by three knowledgeable speakers on the Cyber Security to share tips on how to stay safe on the internet.

The session began with a brief round of introductions from participants and invited speakers. The first speaker, Confidence Mawusi, set the ball rolling by delineating the objectives for the session. In his opening statements he mentioned that “in our normal environment we have personal safety measures, however we pay least attention to our safety online”. He  defined online safety as acting safe on the internet and taking precautions to be safe. Confidence went ahead to state some internet threats and risks based on the actor/ internet user and threats based on devices. Some cases included cyberbullying, cyber dating abuse and sexting. He further shared a personal story of his experience with ransomware and stated other threats targeted at user devices: spam, adware, phishing and keyloggers.

After exploring the concepts and examples of internet risks, Confidence further shared some pointers on how to detect phishing and discussed malware and malware detection and prevention. Touching on Media Literacy, Confidence quoted Mark Twain “A lie can travel around the world and back again while the truth is lacing up its boots.” to illustrate how fast fake news travels. He shared how the human desire to satisfy curiosity hastens the proliferation of fake news. Confidence illustrated the difference between misinformation and disinformation and shared some approaches to break the cycle of disinformation. Some examples include fact checking and reading complete articles.

Computers will be computers , technology will be technology, in the end it is ethics and philosophy that will help us’

Next, Vanessa Otchere took off by explaining the key terminologies; Infodemic, disinformation, misinformation, malinformation, media and information literacy. 

She discussed the social psychology behind mis and disinformation which included the filter bubble, heuristics – mental shortcuts that help people solve problems quickly – and confirmation bias – interpreting and recalling information that reinforces our beliefs. Some practices she recommended to verify information were: comparing multiple sources of information, checking URLs, and being aware of underlying agenda of the information source. She concluded on the note “the ecosystem of information is a complex one and so is the technological age in which we live in. It’s everyone’s responsibility to verify information before sharing.” The session continued with participants offering feedback and sharing their filter bubbles.

Obasegun Ayodele of VilSquare in Nigeria joined us to share his work on the Glass Room project which is focused on how best to tackle fake news across Africa. Following the deeply engaging and incisive discussion, the session was concluded by Confidence sharing three helpful hints;

Social media will affect your mental health. On the internet, if you are not buying the product, you are the product and also, the internet never forgets. `Its either you have been hacked or about to be hacked.

Confidence Mawusi

After the revealing presentations and discussion, the event ended with a networking session.

You are welcome to be a part of the Global Lab Ghana Community on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube Channel to be updated on our various activities.

Another exciting Science Cafe session is loading. Make a date with us!

Gauging the Effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Individuals

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented changes in the lives of general populations worldwide. Its effects have been witnessed in the loss of lives, challenges in public health and changes in national economies. A large number of individuals have experienced mental health challenges, loss of jobs or loved ones and some have remained unaffected by the pandemic.

During the Science Cafe organised on March 26, 2021, a poll was designed to gauge the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdown on the participants present. Out of a total of thirty-six (36) attendants, 27 individuals participated in the poll. It must be noted that most of the participants are from the Ghanaian middle class based in Ghana or abroad. Below are the results. 

 Key Questions & Responses

  1. Did the pandemic affect your productivity?
  2. Will life return to normal with the vaccines?
  3. Did the pandemic affect your mental health?

Graphical Presentation of Responses

 In response to the question: Did the pandemic affect your productivity? 52% equalling 14 participants, stated that they were more productive during the pandemic, whilst 33% equalling 9 participants were less productive and 15%, a total of 4 respondents reported they experienced no change.  

In the second question, participants were asked to share their views on whether life will return to normal with the vaccines. 6 people agreed that life will return to normal, while a majority with 41%, 11 in total disagreed. 10 people out of 27, totalling a whooping 37% could not say if life would or would not return to normal with the vaccinations.

When participants were asked if the pandemic affected their mental health, 52%, 14 participants reported that the pandemic had affected their mental health, whilst 37% totalling 10 participants stated that the pandemic had no effect on their mental health. 11% of the respondents,3 individuals reported that they could not determine the changes .

This report represents the views of a small sample size of people and thus may not be generalised to larger populations. However, a great deal can be learnt from social science research on the attitudes and responses of communities and countries towards the C0vid-19 pandemic. This can inform strategies and innovations targeted at working towards a holistic recovery and preparing for more calculated responses for future generations.

If there is any research you find interesting, kindly share with us in the comments section.

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