Maiden Edition of Academic Journal Released by Christian Service University
Christian Service University College (CSUC) in Kumasi, located in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, has marked a significant academic milestone with the launch of its inaugural peer-reviewed journal — the Journal of Applied Sciences, Arts and Business (JASAB). This publication is a major step forward in the institution’s efforts to foster high-level academic research and promote scholarly exchange across multiple disciplines.
The journal, as its name suggests, focuses on research in applied sciences, arts, and business. It is designed to serve as a platform for rigorous academic work and to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue that addresses both theoretical and practical issues within these fields. By offering space for diverse scholarly perspectives, CSUC hopes JASAB will contribute to Africa’s academic and socio-economic development.
The first edition of JASAB followed an extensive call for papers distributed both digitally and in print, which attracted 30 submissions from across the continent. After a meticulous double-blind peer review process, 15 manuscripts were selected for publication — comprising 13 original research papers and two scholarly book reviews. The selected contributions came from academics affiliated with institutions in Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, reflecting a strong pan-African academic presence.
Articles in this maiden edition cover a wide range of themes, including but not limited to biblical and theological studies, African hermeneutics, political theology, economic and development research, education, marketing, public health, gender studies, and contemporary Christian practices. This thematic diversity reflects the journal’s interdisciplinary focus and its relevance to pressing issues on the continent.
During the official launch ceremony held at the university’s main auditorium, Vice-Chancellor Professor Samuel Kofi Afrane expressed his pride in seeing a long-held vision become a reality. Since assuming office in 2015, he noted, one of his major aspirations was to establish an academic journal that would meet international standards and elevate the university’s research profile. According to him, the realization of this vision — brought to life by the editorial team appointed in October 2024 — represents a major achievement in the university’s academic journey.
He emphasized that the long-term success of the journal will depend on three foundational pillars: visionary leadership, a vibrant research culture, and sustainable funding. “These pillars,” he stated, “are essential to ensure the journal remains relevant, reputable, and consistent in its publications.”
Delivering the keynote address, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor David Asamoah, lauded CSUC for launching a journal that not only supports original academic thought but also enhances critical discourse across disciplines and borders. He highlighted the vital role academic journals play in shaping knowledge production — serving as credible platforms where ideas are rigorously tested, debated, and disseminated.
Professor Asamoah also addressed the issue of sustainability, urging the university to secure long-term partnerships, institutional support, and strong author pipelines to ensure consistent publication. He called for the nurturing of a research culture that prioritizes excellence and relevance.
Rev. Professor Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, Editor-in-Chief of JASAB, noted that the journal’s wide-ranging content underscores its commitment to interdisciplinary research that speaks to Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities. He revealed that each article has been assigned a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) via CrossRef — an important step in enhancing the journal’s global visibility and citation tracking.
Looking to the future, Prof. Adu-Gyamfi said the editorial team is developing workshops and capacity-building initiatives to train authors and reviewers, aiming to maintain high academic standards and support emerging scholars.
In his remarks, the Most Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante, former Chairman of the National Peace Council, praised CSUC for the initiative, describing the journal as a valuable contribution to the academic and intellectual landscape of Ghana and the broader region.
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