Department of Environmental Science Holds First Departmental Retreat, Charts New Course for Excellence

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The Department of Environmental Science at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has successfully concluded a highly productive four-day strategic retreat. Held from October 29th to November 1st, 2025, at the KNUST Eco-Resort in Moree, Central Region, the retreat was a pivotal event focused on "Strategic Reflection, Capacity Building and Cohesion for Enhanced Productivity."

The retreat inspired productive discussions and planning that produced key outcomes to drive the department’s progress. A major highlight was the formal reconstitution of its research framework into four dynamic, interdisciplinary clusters to enhance innovation and grant competitiveness. The newly established research groups are:

1. Climate Change (impact assessment, adaptation, and mitigation)
2. Pollution Monitoring and Environmental Forensics (tracking contaminants and identifying sources)
3. Environmental Restoration (rehabilitating and recovering degraded ecosystems)
4. Circular Economy (developing sustainable resource use and waste management models)

All academic staff in the department have been integrated into these groups, with appointed coordinators to drive research agendas.

The event also featured critical capacity-building sessions. A grant writing workshop, facilitated by Prof. Philip Antwi-Agyei, equipped staff with strategies for developing compelling proposals, including a forward-looking discussion on the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research. In a session on academic progression, led by Prof. Jonathan N. Hogarh, staff were provided with clear guidance on the strategic pathway from Lecturer to Professor, with emphasis on excellence in research, teaching, and service.

One key moment during the retreat was the smooth transition of leadership within the department. The outgoing Head of Department, Prof. Jonathan. N. Hogarh was commended for his visionary leadership and the solid foundation he laid for the department's growth. The incoming Head of Department, Prof. Bernard Fei-Baffoe, articulated his vision for a collaborative, transparent, and inclusive administration, formally soliciting the support of all staff to achieve new heights of excellence.

“The retreat has successfully strengthened our departmental unity and established a clear, actionable strategic framework,” said Prof. Fei-Baffoe. “We are now poised to activate our new research groups and implement the valuable insights gained to reinforce our position as a center of excellence in environmental research and education.”

To blend professional development with team building, staff participated in an educational excursion to Kakum National Park. The activity enhanced departmental cohesion while providing valuable field-based learning experiences relevant to the department's academic mission.

The department is now focused on operationalizing the retreat's outcomes through the immediate activation of the research groups, implementation of capacity-building insights, and the development of supportive tools for student mentorship.