{"id":16953,"date":"2024-11-11T18:42:19","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T18:42:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.gctu.edu.gh\/?p=16953"},"modified":"2024-11-11T18:42:19","modified_gmt":"2024-11-11T18:42:19","slug":"gctu-researchers-win-prestigious-aloe-award-for-paper-on-ethical-challenges-of-afcfta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.gctu.edu.gh\/news\/gctu-researchers-win-prestigious-aloe-award-for-paper-on-ethical-challenges-of-afcfta.aspx","title":{"rendered":"±¬ÁϳԹÏÍøResearchers Win Prestigious Aloe Award For Paper On Ethical Challenges Of AFCFTA"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
The ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍøteam was presented the award by the President of BEN-Africa, Mr. Bryan Robinson (left)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the recent 23rd Annual ABSA BEN-Africa Conference, hosted for the first time by ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍø (GCTU), a team of four ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍøacademics was honoured with the prestigious Aloe Award for Best Conference Paper.
\nTheir winning paper, \u201cExploring Ethical Operational Challenges of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Implications for Sustainable Economic Integration in Africa,\u201d<\/strong> <\/em>delves into ethical issues within AfCFTA\u2019s framework and their critical role in driving sustainable development across the continent. Led by Dr. Esther Asiedu and mentored by Prof. Ebenezer Malcalm, the team also included Dr. Gertrude Amoakohene and Dr. Afia Nyarko Boakye from Business School of the University.
\nIn an interview after receiving the award, the team discussed some of their research’s key findings, motivation, challenges and the impact on their future research goals and direction.<\/p>\n

The Critical Role of Ethical Governance in AfCFTA\u2019s Operations<\/h3>\n

The researchers shared that AfCFTA, an initiative aimed at economic integration in Africa, offers promising opportunities for regional development by eliminating non-tariff barriers and enhancing employment. However, they emphasized that for AfCFTA\u2019s goals to be realized, ethical governance must be prioritized. Dr. Asiedu pointed out that without transparency, good governance, labour rights and environmental sustainability, these initiatives may be derailed, regardless of the promising framework outlined in AfCFTA and Agenda 2063, Africa Union\u2019 50-year plan for inclusive development.<\/p>\n

Addressing Transparency, Trust, and Cooperation Challenges<\/h3>\n

Dr. Asiedu highlighted that the research topic stemmed from the 2024 Conference theme which focused on embedding ethics into African business practices in alignment with Agenda 2063\u2019s vision for \u201cThe Africa We Want.\u201d Inspired by the theme and recognizing AfCFTA\u2019s potential, the team set out to explore the ethical challenges obstructing AfCFTA\u2019s success. They addressed issues including the lack of transparency, infrastructural disparities, and the persistence of corruption, all of which hinder regional cooperation and trust among African nations.<\/p>\n

An Ethical Framework for Enhancing AfCFTA\u2019s Governance and Reducing External Dependency<\/h3>\n

The team proposed a conceptual ethical framework to enhance AfCFTA\u2019s operational efficiency, aligning with stakeholder theory and emphasizing social and environmental sustainability. They advocated for reforms in the governance structure centered on reducing corruption and fostering transparency, proposing that these elements are essential for AfCFTA\u2019s success. While their framework remains conceptual, the researchers plan to further empirically test their proposal to be presented to the AfCFTA Secretariat for consideration.<\/p>\n

Prof. Malcalm remarked on the significance of translating research findings into \u2018actionable policy directives.\u2019 He expressed confidence that the framework, if adopted, would bolster AfCFTA\u2019s operations by addressing key ethical concerns within intra-African trade, thereby supporting sustainable growth and reducing the continent\u2019s dependency on external trade relations.<\/p>\n

Challenges and Triumphs<\/h3>\n

The team described the demanding nature of the research process, involving long hours, extensive revisions, and the simultaneous production of five other conference papers. Prof. Malcalm commended the collaborative spirit and resilience of the group, emphasizing that despite tight deadlines and resource constraints, the team\u2019s commitment was unwavering.<\/p>\n

Dr. Asiedu acknowledged Prof. Malcalm\u2019s mentorship as pivotal, noting that his guidance and feedback were invaluable to the paper\u2019s success. Both scholars shared that the award not only celebrates their hard work but also motivates them to continue pursuing impactful research on AfCFTA and related areas, particularly focusing on public awareness and policy reform.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The four-member team was represented by Prof. Malcalm (middle) and Dr. Esther Asiedu (right)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Future Directions and GCTU\u2019s Vision<\/h3>\n

Encouraged by the award and the positive reception they received, the team expressed their intention to expand their research into public awareness of AfCFTA\u2019s goals and operations. They believe this direction will reveal gaps in understanding and engagement which are crucial for AfCFTA\u2019s acceptance and effectiveness.<\/p>\n

The achievement also aligns with GCTU\u2019s broader \u201cVision 20 by 30\u201d agenda under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, which aspires to develop at least 20 Associate and full Professors by 2030. Prof. Malcalm noted that this award demonstrates GCTU\u2019s commitment to impactful research and international visibility. He emphasized the importance of collaboration within the academic community, both locally and internationally, to enhance African research impact on a global scale.<\/p>\n

Inspiring the Next Generation of African Researchers<\/h3>\n

In closing, the award-winning scholars encouraged young researchers and students to remain dedicated to their pursuits, emphasizing resilience in the face of rejection and setbacks. \u201cWriting is not easy,\u201d said Dr. Asiedu, \u201cbut self-motivation and the right mentorship can help overcome the challenges.\u201d Prof. Malcalm echoed this sentiment, advising potential academics to pursue their research goals relentlessly and to view every rejection as a learning opportunity.<\/p>\n

The Aloe Award is a testament to the team\u2019s hard work and GCTU\u2019s support for academic excellence and impactful research. The University Community is proud of this achievement and eagerly anticipates their continued contributions to addressing the challenges that are holding the African continent\u2019s development back.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

At the recent 23rd Annual ABSA BEN-Africa Conference, hosted for the first time by ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍø (GCTU), a team of four ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍøacademics was honoured with the prestigious Aloe Award for Best Conference Paper. Their winning paper, \u201cExploring Ethical Operational Challenges of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Implications for Sustainable Economic … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “±¬ÁϳԹÏÍøResearchers Win Prestigious Aloe Award For Paper On Ethical Challenges Of AFCFTA”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[46],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16953","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n±¬ÁϳԹÏÍøResearchers Win Prestigious Aloe Award For Paper On Ethical Challenges Of AFCFTA - GCTU<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/site.gctu.edu.gh\/news\/gctu-researchers-win-prestigious-aloe-award-for-paper-on-ethical-challenges-of-afcfta.aspx\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"±¬ÁϳԹÏÍøResearchers Win Prestigious Aloe Award For Paper On Ethical Challenges Of AFCFTA - GCTU\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"At the recent 23rd Annual ABSA BEN-Africa Conference, hosted for the first time by ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍø (GCTU), a team of four ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍøacademics was honoured with the prestigious Aloe Award for Best Conference Paper. Their winning paper, \u201cExploring Ethical Operational Challenges of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Implications for Sustainable Economic … Continue reading "±¬ÁϳԹÏÍøResearchers Win Prestigious Aloe Award For Paper On Ethical Challenges Of AFCFTA"\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/site.gctu.edu.gh\/news\/gctu-researchers-win-prestigious-aloe-award-for-paper-on-ethical-challenges-of-afcfta.aspx\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"GCTU\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-11-11T18:42:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/site.gctu.edu.gh\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/gctu-researchers.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Henry Amoah\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Henry Amoah\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/site.gctu.edu.gh\/news\/gctu-researchers-win-prestigious-aloe-award-for-paper-on-ethical-challenges-of-afcfta.aspx\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/site.gctu.edu.gh\/news\/gctu-researchers-win-prestigious-aloe-award-for-paper-on-ethical-challenges-of-afcfta.aspx\",\"name\":\"±¬ÁϳԹÏÍøResearchers Win Prestigious Aloe Award For Paper On Ethical Challenges Of AFCFTA - 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