Ghanaian universities are being called upon to align their research efforts with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to contribute meaningfully to global progress. Professor Godwell Nhamo from the University of South Africa (UniSA) emphasized the importance of SDG-based research during the opening of the 4th International Research and Development Conference at the SDD University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) in Wa.

In his keynote address, Prof. Nhamo, who chairs the UniSA Climate and Sustainability Transitions department, highlighted that the SDGs framework offers universities a wealth of research opportunities.

With 17 goals, 169 targets, and numerous indicators, there are vast topics that lecturers and students can explore to support the SDGs' implementation at local and global levels.

Conference Theme and International Participation

The theme for this year’s conference, "Nine Years Down the Road to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: What is on Display from African Businesses and other Stakeholders," drew in 104 participants from various academic institutions across Africa.

Notable attendees included representatives from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, CK Tadem University of Technology and Applied Sciences, the Ministry of Local Government and Decentralization, and postgraduate students from SDD-UBIDS.

Ghana's Universities and the Global SDG Research Landscape

In his speech, Prof. Nhamo pointed out that no Ghanaian university is currently ranked among the top 15 global institutions actively publishing research related to the SDGs.

He encouraged SDD-UBIDS and other Ghanaian universities to prioritize publishing work that addresses these critical global challenges. Notable universities leading in SDG-related publications include the University of Johannesburg, the University of Cape Town, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Prof. Nhamo stressed that, with just six years left to the 2030 deadline, it is essential for stakeholders—including businesses and academic institutions—to reflect on their progress and take actionable steps toward fulfilling the SDG agenda.

SDGs: A Framework for Businesses and Academia

The SDGs provide a roadmap for a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, academia, and businesses, to address some of the world's most pressing issues, such as poverty eradication and climate action. Prof. Nhamo underscored the role that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives play in this process.

He urged companies to adopt SDG-aligned CSR projects that contribute to the betterment of their communities and the broader global goals.

“Corporate Social Responsibility and its connection with the SDGs remain in the global spotlight,” Prof. Nhamo stated. “Businesses must take the initiative to invest in their communities and raise living standards through SDG-driven projects.”

Government Support and Regional Reflections

Upper West Regional Minister, Mr. Stephen Yakubu, also addressed the conference, praising the 2030 Agenda as one of the most significant global initiatives of the 21st century.

He noted that the Ghanaian government has already made strides toward achieving the SDGs, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, education, and healthcare.

However, he emphasized that no single nation can accomplish sustainable development in isolation, urging stakeholders to collaborate in supporting the government’s efforts.

As the countdown to 2030 continues, the conference provided an opportunity for reflection on how various sectors including universities and businesses can step up to drive the SDG agenda forward.

With only a few years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the role of academia and business is crucial. As emphasized by both Prof. Nhamo and Mr. Yakubu, collaboration across sectors and a focused approach to research and CSR will be key to meeting these ambitious targets, ensuring prosperity and development for communities in Ghana and beyond.