In an important step towards promoting cooperation and innovation in science, technology and innovation (ST&I), a high-level Ghanaian delegation has arrived in London to explore opportunities to implement the UK-Ghana ST&I strategy.
Organized by the British High Commission in partnership with the Department of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, this visit marks a pivotal moment in the implementation of the jointly developed UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy launched in June last year, followed by MoU signed at the UK-Ghana Business Council in January this year.
Led by Johnson Singir, Head of Science and Innovation at the British High Commission, the Ghanaian delegation includes Kwamena Essilfie Quaison, Director of Science, Technology and Innovation at the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) and Deputy Director Nashiru Salifou .
It also consists of Paul Pinnock Bonsu, Director General of the Center for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Solomon Adjei, President of Startups Association. Kwasi Ofori-Antwi, Deputy Head of Industrial Promotion at the Ministry of Trade.
Others are Emmanuel Kwakye Kontor, Director of Planning in the Ministry of Health and Prospera Nyulemedi Afua Anku, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Agriculture.
The UK government’s renewed ST&I agenda provides yet another opportunity for the Ghanaian government to study the existing UK national innovation system to pave the way for partnership in the UK’s new Science, Technology and Innovation agenda.
The first part is to visit the Commonwealth Overseas and Development Office to understand the UK’s priorities in ST&I before visiting strategic institutions in the UK to learn about their ST&I activities and also engage with institutional directors and experts.
The UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy aims to strengthen the partnership between the two countries in the areas of research, innovation and technology transfer. seeking to leverage the strengths of both nations to address common challenges and promote sustainable development.
During her visit to London, the Ghanaian delegation will be joined by compatriots from Kenya and South Africa, also led by UK High Commission Science and Innovation officers in both countries to join their counterparts in United Kingdom in a series of meetings and discussions to explore possible areas of cooperation.
These include:
Research and development: The delegation will explore opportunities for joint research projects in areas such as health, agriculture, renewable energy and climate change. They will also discuss ways to strengthen research capacity and infrastructure in Ghana.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The delegation will meet with UK-based start-ups, incubators and accelerators to learn about best practices in innovation and entrepreneurship. They will explore ways to support Ghanaian start-ups and promote a culture of innovation.
Technology Transfer and Capacity Building: The delegation will discuss ways to facilitate the transfer of technology from the UK to Ghana and develop the capacity of Ghanaian institutions to adopt and adapt new technologies.
Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: The delegation will exchange ideas on policy and regulatory frameworks that support innovation and technology transfer. They will explore ways to create an enabling environment for ST&I in Ghana.
Training and Skill Development: The delegation will explore opportunities for cooperation in education and skills development, including exchange programs, scholarships and training initiatives.
Engagement of the Private Sector: The delegation will work with UK-based companies to explore opportunities for investment and collaboration in ST&I. They will also discuss ways to promote private sector participation in research and innovation.
Overall, the visit of the Ghanaian delegation to London represents an important step towards strengthening the partnership between the UK and Ghana in the field of ST&I.
It is hoped that discussions and collaborations arising from this visit will contribute to the advancement of science, technology and innovation in both countries and contribute to sustainable development.
DENIAL OF RESPONSIBILITY: The views, comments, opinions, contributions and statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.