The Director of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI), Professor Maxwell Darko Asante, has received the inaugural AfricaRice Council of Ministers Award for Excellence in Rice Research and Development in Africa, recognising his contributions to advancing rice science, breeding and agricultural development across the continent.
Prof. Asante emerged as the winner in the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) category at the awards ceremony held on November 6, 2026, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The award was presented by the outgoing Chair of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers, Professor Marie-Thérèse Sombo, with support from the Director-General of AfricaRice, Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, and the Deputy Director-General, Dr. Prem Bindraban.
“The award recognises outstanding contributions to rice research, breeding and development in Africa, highlighting the importance of scientific excellence and collaboration in strengthening the continent’s agricultural sector.”
Chair of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers, Professor Marie-Thérèse Sombo
AfricaRice’s Agronomy Research Team, led by Dr. Ibrahim Ali, also received an inaugural award for its contribution to rice research and development.
The recognition comes at a critical time for Ghana and other African countries seeking to strengthen domestic food production, reduce dependence on imported rice and improve agricultural productivity through research-driven interventions.
Rice Research and Ghana’s Food Security Agenda
Rice has become an increasingly important staple in Ghana, driven by population growth, urbanisation and changing consumer preferences.
However, domestic production continues to fall short of national demand, making research into improved varieties, seed quality and farming technologies essential to the country’s food security ambitions.
Data from the Ghana Statistical Service indicate that national rice production increased from approximately 600,000 metric tonnes in 2013 to 1.1 million metric tonnes in 2024, representing an increase of about 83.3 per cent.
The figures, sourced from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s Statistics Research and Information Directorate, demonstrate progress in production over the period, although significant productivity and supply challenges remain.
According to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana produced approximately 960,000 tonnes of milled rice in 2025, meeting about 56 per cent of national demand.
The remaining 44 per cent is supplied through imports, with the country spending an estimated US$320 million to US$500 million annually on imported rice.
The government has consequently set a target of achieving rice self-sufficiency by 2028, supported by the US$18.8 million Regional West Africa Resilient Rice Value Chains Development (REWARD) Project, financed by the African Development Bank.
The initiative seeks to strengthen production, improve value-chain efficiency and increase the competitiveness of locally produced rice.
In this context, the contributions of agricultural research institutions such as CSIR-CRI remain important to developing improved rice varieties capable of addressing production constraints, including diseases, climate variability and the availability of quality seeds.
CSIR-CRI’s research activities include the development of high-yielding and drought-tolerant rice and maize varieties, alongside research into other food and industrial crops.
The Institute also works with farmers, seed producers, universities and development partners to translate scientific findings into practical agricultural solutions.
Collaboration Behind Scientific Recognition
Prof. Asante dedicated the recognition to the scientists, technicians, field workers, farmers, mentors and research partners whose collective contributions have supported the advancement of rice research.
He also acknowledged the support of the Director-General of CSIR-Ghana, Professor Paul Pinnock Bosu, as well as former Directors of CSIR-CRI, whose leadership and institutional contributions have helped strengthen the Institute’s research activities.
Among the individuals recognised for their mentorship and collaboration were Professor Eric Danquah, Professor Susan McCouch and Dr. Anna McClung.
The Director further expressed appreciation to the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), AfricaRice, Korea’s Rural Development Administration and other development partners for their continued investment in agricultural research and capacity building.
AfricaRice, an international research organisation dedicated to improving rice production and food security across Africa, provides a platform for scientific collaboration among member countries and their national agricultural research systems.
The 34th ordinary session of its Council of Ministers, held from November 4 to 6, 2026, in Côte d’Ivoire, brought together representatives from 28 member countries.
The meeting focused on enhancing the competitiveness and marketability of African produced rice, placing research, innovation and regional cooperation at the centre of discussions on the continent’s rice industry.
“The achievement reflects the collective efforts of researchers, farmers, technicians, mentors and development partners in advancing agricultural science and improving rice production.”
Director- Council CSIR-CRI, Professor Maxwell Darko Asante
US$5,000 Award Donated to Crop Museum Project
Prof. Asante has committed the entire US$5,000 cash prize accompanying his award towards establishing a modern Crop Museum at CSIR-CRI.
The proposed facility is estimated to cost US$500,000 and is expected to serve as a centre for preserving Ghana’s agricultural research history, including historical records, scientific artefacts and accounts of the contributions made by researchers and institutions to the country’s agricultural transformation.
Beyond its historical significance, the museum could provide an educational platform for communicating the evolution of crop research in Ghana and demonstrating how scientific innovations have contributed to improving agricultural production
“The US$5,000 donation represents the first one per cent of the proposed US$500,000 Crop Museum project, with further support required from individuals, organisations and development partners.”
Director- Council CSIR-CRI, Professor Maxwell Darko Asante
Prof. Asante’s contribution has opened the door for collective investment in the proposed facility, with stakeholders and development partners invited to support its establishment.
His recognition also reinforces the need for sustained investment in agricultural research, particularly as Ghana pursues its rice self-sufficiency target and seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of locally produced agricultural commodities.
The award therefore represents not only an individual achievement but also recognition of the wider scientific community whose work supports agricultural innovation, improved crop production and food security.
For CSIR-CRI and Ghana’s agricultural research sector, the achievement provides renewed encouragement to deepen scientific collaboration, strengthen research capacity and accelerate the development of technologies that respond to farmers’ needs.
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