Kumasi, July 22, GNA- A seven-member reconstituted Management Board for the Soil Research Institute (SRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has been inaugurated in Kumasi. It has Oheneba Adusei Poku, Akyempimhene of Kumasi as Chairman. Other members include Mrs Lydia Bedu-Addo, Area Manager of Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), Kumasi, Mr T.F. Asare, Managing Director of Asare Farms Limited, Mr Stephen Boateng, Managing Director of Kessben Group of Companies and Dr J.O. Fening, Director of the SRI. Professor Emmanuel Owusu-Bennoah, Director-General of CSIR, urged the Board to examine the relationship between the SRI and other CSIR institutions to ensure that research efforts were complementary and not duplicative, adding that "it was the concern for this that led to the merger of some of the institutes".

He urged them to ensure that sound financial management of the institute's resources was maintained in accordance with the Council's financial guidelines.

Prof Owusu-Bennoah also urged the Board to scrutinize external audit reports and give advice for corrective actions where necessary. He said in the discharge of their duties, the board should be guided by the fact that as much as possible, the demand-driven research programmes of the institute were in line with the vision and mission of the CSIR which states, "using the transforming power of science and technology for wealth creation".

Prof Owusu-Bennoah advised the Board to endeavour as much as possible periodic interaction with the staff of the institute with the view of motivating them to give of their best. Oheneba Adusei Poku on behalf of the Board, pledged to work hard to raise the activities of the institute to a higher level. 23 July 08