Ghana Needs New And Innovative Ideas Through Research - President Website
Ghana needs new and innovative ideas to run the economy and they could only be generated through research, which is the basis of the production, growth and advancement of knowledge. President John Agyekum made this statement in a speech read for him at the opening of a three-day meeting of the second “National Forum on Harnessing Research, Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in Ghana.” He said government and its agencies were aware of the relevance of knowledge and new ideas and were prepared to utilize the results of research as guides to their plans, strategies and activities. The speech which was read by Mrs Mary Chinery-Hesse, President’s Special Advisor said it was unfortunate that there were some research findings by the research scientists that were not being utilized. He said mindful of that, he gave that assurance to researchers that findings would be utilized when found relevant to the purpose of public and private organizations. The President noted that Science and Technology was the bedrock of development for every nation and science should be seen as less obscure and mysterious and very essential for the emergence and development of a scientific cultural in the Ghanaian society. He charged scientists and researchers to embark on serious researches not only in science but in other fields of knowledge that would be related to the society, culture and economy. “Industrialization should also indeed become the cornerstone of our development efforts, for it is the avenue of rapid economic development, the creation of jobs, reduction of poverty, and consequently, the enhancement of the quality of life of our citizens”. Professor Dominic Fobi, Minister of Education Science and Sports said the pronouncement of science and technology as the vital vehicle for propelling development had not received the right impetus and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), there was the need to double efforts to meet the goals within the next seven years. “We need to harness the potentials of other tools or concepts to enable us overcome the many challenges we face in our development drive and in achieving the MDGs.” Prof. Fobih noted that data and information have revealed that science and technology when appropriately applied could enable a developing nation leap-frog and make strides to catch up with the developed countries. He said it was unfortunate that Ghana had exploited her natural resources to the fullest and yet she has not attained even half of its economic prosperity. He proposed the investment in science and technological areas such as education, human resource and infrastructure development as well as areas that would rejuvenate industry, agriculture, health, commerce and the construction sector of the economy. “Exploiting the benefits of science, technology and innovation to all facets of our economy will accelerate our stride to middle income status, reduce poverty, achieve universal education, reduce under five infant mortality, reduce maternal deaths and conserve the integrity of the environment”, he added. Professor George Benneh, Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Forum in a speech read for him expressed the Forum’s gratitude and appreciation for government’s commitment to the development and implementation of science and technology. Professor Fred. T. Sai, Presidential Advisor on Population, Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS who chaired the function called for the need to give science and technology the required recognition and to attach and human visibility to it. He called for the need to combine science and technology, culture and sociology to give the country the positive impact required. Some topics to be addressed for the three days include: “Science and technology in the Implementation of the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy, Quality Education for All: Strategies for Building the Gaps, Enhancing the Impact of President’s special Initiative Through Science, Research and Technology and Nutrition, “The Health of the People: The Challenge and the Response of Research and Demystifying and Promoting Science and Technology: What the Media can Do”.
Source: MJFM
