The CSIR-Water Research Institute (WRI) has called for a shift from a "silos approach" to a "nexus approach" in tackling Ghana’s water, environment, food and health challenges as it marks 30 years of research and service to the nation.

This was contained in an opening address by the acting Director, Dr. Kwadwo Ansong Asante, at the institute’s mid-year review 2026 held from 11th to 13th August under the theme: "Water-Environment-Food-Health Nexus: Building Resilience for the Future”.

Dr Asante noted that CSIR-WRI, one of the 13 institutes under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, is 30 years old this year. 

“Our mandate is to conduct research into all aspects of water resources in order to provide scientific and technical information, services as well as strategies for the sustainable development, utilization and management of these resources for the socio-economic advancement of the country,” he said.

The institute executes its mandate through 6 technical research divisions namely surface water and climate change; groundwater and geoscience; environmental chemistry and sanitation engineering; fishery and aquaculture; environmental biology, biotechnology and health; and the biomedical and public health research unit.

Addressing dignitaries including the Director of Science and Technology at MEST, Kwamina Essilfie Quaison, representatives from MWRWH, development partners, NGOs, academia and media, Dr. Asante said today’s challenges require integrated solutions.

“The quality of our water resources influences the health of our people, the sustainability of our environment, the productivity of our agricultural systems, and ultimately the resilience of our communities. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and sectors,” he stated.

He added that CSIR-WRI works closely with government, private sector, FAO, GIZ, World Bank and the energy sector to ensure research findings are taken up into policies and decisions.

Over the next three days, participants will assess the progress and challenges of the institute’s research in the past year.  

Then, they will share their findings that contribute to sustainable water resources management and also remote interdisciplinary collaboration around the Water/Environment/Food/Health Nexus. 

They are to also evaluate research contributions to national development, climate resilience, and food security and identify strategic priorities and strengthen partnerships for evidence-based decision-making.

“Thus, the review is not merely a report of activities; it is a platform for learning, collaboration, and strategic planning as we strengthen our contribution to national development and global sustainability goals,” Dr. Asante said.

He expressed hope that the outcomes of the review will “trigger conversations at the highest level of governance, promote prioritization, and inform key policy decisions” to ensure the safety of human lives and protection of the environment.

Dr Asante officially declared the Mid-Year Review 2026 and wished the participants a fruitful deliberation.