FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CSIR–SARI Achieves International Stewardship Certification, Strengthening Responsible Cowpea Research in Ghana
Nyankpala, Ghana — The CSIR–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR–SARI) has achieved international stewardship certification under the Excellence Through Stewardship (ETS) initiative, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s agricultural research landscape.
The certification, awarded following a rigorous independent audit by the Global Stewardship Group (GSG), confirms that CSIR–SARI’s stewardship systems and operational procedures meet globally accepted standards for the responsible development, testing, and deployment of agricultural technologies.
This achievement positions CSIR–SARI among a select group of public-sector research institutions worldwide recognized for strong product stewardship, quality management systems, and commitment to environmental and human safety throughout the research lifecycle.
The ETS certification underscores CSIR–SARI’s leadership in cowpea research and innovation, particularly within collaborative regional initiatives aimed at improving food security, farmer livelihoods, and climate resilience across West Africa. It also reinforces the Institute’s adherence to best practices in research governance, biosafety, data integrity, and continuous institutional improvement.
Notably, CSIR–SARI attained this recognition alongside the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) of Nigeria, making this a historic moment as two National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in West Africa successfully complete the ETS global audit process.
Commenting on the achievement, Director of CSIR–SARI, Dr. Francis Kusi emphasized that the certification reflects the Institute’s long-standing commitment to conducting research that is not only innovative, but also responsible, transparent, and aligned with international standards. The recognition further strengthens confidence among policymakers, development partners, regulators, and farming communities in the Institute’s research outputs.
As Ghana continues to advance sustainable agricultural transformation, CSIR–SARI remains committed to delivering farmer-centered technologies that enhance productivity while safeguarding health, the environment, and future generations.
About CSIR–SARI
The CSIR–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute is a research institute under Ghana’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), mandated to develop and promote technologies that improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods in the savanna agro-ecological zones of Ghana.
Issued by:
Public Relations Office
CSIR–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR–SARI)
Nyankpala, Ghana
www.sari.csir.org.gh
