CSIR-FRI Organizes Staff Durbar and Inaugurates Radiant Voices Choir
Recent News
29 September 2025
29 September 2025
29 September 2025
CSIR-FRI ORGANISES STAFF DURBAR AND INAUGURATES RADIANT VOICES CHOIR
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Food Research Institute (CSIR-FRI) on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, organised a staff durbar aimed at fostering dialogue, strengthening relationships, and aligning staff and management towards the Institute’s overall goals for a better and inclusive working environment at the institute’s conference room.
The well-attended programme brought together a total of 97 staff members alongside management, which included the Director, Professor Charles Tortoe and the Deputy Director. Dr. Gregory Komlaga as well as Divisional Heads. The durbar also served as a platform for the official inauguration of the Institute’s choir, Radiant Voices, marking a historic moment in the cultural and social life of the institution
Professor Charles Tortoe
Delivering his address, Prof. Tortoe expressed appreciation to the entire staff for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to duty. He encouraged them to ensure that all actions and inactions reflect the Institute’s policies, describing the Institute as “ultimate.” He further urged staff to continue making CSIR-FRI a better place for the present generation and those to come.
One of the key highlights of the day was the inauguration of the Radiant Voices Choir, made up of staff members and co-led by Dr. Charlotte Oduro-Yeboah, Head of Food Technology Research Division and Mr. Philip Ajaye, Head of Security. The choir members, elegantly dressed in Lacoste shirts embroidered with the choir’s name and slogan “Praises,” serenaded the audience with two Ghanaian choral pieces. Their performance set the tone for their official inauguration by Prof. Tortoe, who also doubles as the choir’s patron.
Radiant Voices
Radiant Voices
Mr. Theophilus Annan
As part of the programme, six Heads of Divisions at the Institute presented comprehensive reports on their achievements, challenges, and future projections.
The Food Microbiology and Mushroom Research Division represented by Mr. Theophilus Annan reported producing five manuscripts for journal publications, engaging in chocolate production and offering consultancy in fish value addition. The division also revised technical manuals, updated methods to meet new standards and recorded and increase sample analysis during the last quarter
The food technology research division headed by Dr. Charlotte Oduro Yeboah reported notable success during the quarter. These included shelf life and feasibility studies, equipment assessments, product development, chocolate and cocoa training programmes and sensory evaluation studies.
Dr. Charlotte Oduro-Yeboah
Dr. Hayford Ofori
The food chemistry and nutrition research division headed by Dr. Hayford Ofori reported receiving over 3,000 samples in the last quarter. Dr. Ofori expressed appreciation to staff for their commitment and highlighted collaborations with sister institutions for projects and analysis. They also engaged in training programmes for SME’s on aflatoxins as well as hosting NSS personnel and interns.
The commercialization division, led by Mr. Thomas Najah, reported notable achievement during the quarter. These included the rebranding of its business section, hosting five television shows and two radio programs and participation in seven exhibitions. the division also expanded its sales point to 72 products and processed about 8,000 client samples which were distributed across divisions for analysis. In addition, a customer service workshop was held for staff with management assuring it will become an annual activity.
Mr. Thomas Najah
Mr. Gladstone Saviour Cudjoe
Mr. Gladstone Saviour Cudjoe the Head of Finance Division also presented updates on financial management and accountability measures reaffirming its commitment to sustaining the institutes operations. The division also reported the success of two audits without complaints. they were internal and compliance audit.
The administration Division headed by Mrs. Vivian Anane reported on staff welfare and institutional support systems. She highlighted the successful promotion of some staff and encouraged employees to seek guidance from the administration on related matters. Mrs. Anane also outlines recent changes in ranks and procedures concerning employment and promotions, emphasizing the division’s role in contributing to a better working environment
Mrs. Vivian Anane
An open forum followed, giving staff the opportunity to share their concerns on institutional policies and welfare issues. Management responded to these concerns and provided assurances that steps would be taken to improve working conditions and ensure staff wellbeing.
In line with promoting a safe and supportive workplace, representatives from SIC Life Insurance Ltd were invited to educate staff on the benefits of a comprehensive group welfare scheme. They encouraged the Institute to consider adopting a group life insurance policy that would provide cover for staff in cases of death, permanent or temporary disability, critical illness, and accidental medical expenses.
The durbar concluded on a high note with closing remarks from Prof. Tortoe, who once again commended staff for their contributions to the growth of CSIR-FRI. Mrs. Dorothy Narh offered the closing prayer, after which staff were treated to refreshments, bringing the programme to a memorable and successful end.
Open forum
Open forum
Open forum
Open forum
Open forum
Open forum
