By DI Laary
Accra, July 5, GNA – The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Mrs. Ophelia Hayford, has called for sustainable funding for Ghana’s research institutions such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
He emphasized the need for collaboration and networking for the country to move away from its over-reliance on external funding and explore domestic alternatives for research and development activities.
Speaking at the Science Renaissance Africa (DSRA) Day celebration at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, he called on stakeholders to explore internal funding mechanisms to support research.
“It is… important for us to look within ourselves to assess our current situation and explore better ways to find sustainable funding for our research institutions in Ghana,” he said.
“I know how much we have relied on external funding for research and development activities. Of course, then we had no choice because we could not generate enough resources internally to support our own research and development activities.”
He stated that science and technology played a critical role in promoting national development and noted that the DSRA 2024 theme: “Leveraging Science and Technology for Wealth Creation”, was timely and relevant given today’s global economic challenges.
He particularly commended the CSIR and the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission for their immense contribution to national development.
He cited their projects in areas such as food security, renewable energy, green economy, biodiversity, biomedical research and public health.
Ms. Hayford emphasized that science and technology were key drivers of economic transformation and encouraged the country’s scientists, researchers, innovators and technologists to step up their efforts to achieve this goal.
He also highlighted the government’s vision of integrating science and technology into all aspects of development, with emphasis on industrialization, job creation, sustainable development, tackling climate change, intergenerational equity and improving media of living.
He said stakeholders should work together to promote science and technology-led development in Ghana and leverage their partnerships and networks to drive innovation and progress.
“We have come a long way as a nation and on this Africa Science Renaissance Day, let our contributions to science push us to work together, build the right networks and partnerships, let us strive to fulfill our various mandates,” he said.
He added: “Let’s continue to incorporate new ideas and guide political leadership to do more for ALL, which promotes the country’s economic growth through science, technology and innovation.”
However, he told the stakeholders to show professionalism and sense of duty to drive progress towards harnessing science and technology for wealth creation.
Professor Paul Bosu, Director General of CSIR, also highlighted the critical role science and technology play in national development, stressing the need for the country to integrate science and technology into its education system to bridge the economic gap between citizens.
He noted that science and technology are vital to addressing the economic challenges that threaten global peace and security.
He cited a World Bank report that said over 850,000 people in Ghana have been pushed into poverty by external and internal factors.
He said it was important to use innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) and the policy framework to facilitate the effective delivery and use of scientific knowledge.
“Harnessing science and technology to create wealth will involve various strategies, including innovation and artificial intelligence,” he said.
“However, the inadequate policy framework to facilitate the effective delivery and use of knowledge and the integration of science and technology into the economy is an issue that needs urgent attention.”
Prof. Bosu also stressed the need for application of science and technology in areas such as biotechnology, drought management and coping with biotic and abiotic stresses that lead to losses due to pests and diseases.
He said that improved quality service delivery in health facilities through applications of science and technology could contribute to a healthy population.
He called for linking research findings with industry, diversifying the production capacity of local industries, increasing the adoption of new technologies, promoting appropriate technologies, promoting the development of SMEs and increasing the use of cleaner production techniques.
He noted that as the world’s population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, harnessing science and technology in agriculture and other sectors will transform global food production systems and mitigate impacts on climate and the environment.
He urged policy makers to take the lead in integrating science and technology into Ghana’s education system to close the economic gap among citizens.
DSRA was established by the African Union in 1987 to recognize the continent’s significant contribution to the development of modern Science and Technology.
It was launched during the 46th Ordinary Session of the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1987.
The initiative aims for member states to commit to celebrating Africa Science Renaissance Day on June 30 every year. However, since June 30 this year falls on a Sunday, the celebration has been postponed to Monday, July 1.
GNA
