Kumasi, Oct.9, GNA - Dr Essel Ben Hagan, a Director at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, (CSIR) has called for the prioritisation of innovative technologies, in the country's developmental agenda for accelerated growth. He said in pursuance of its socio-economic advancement, the country should not only think about catching up with the developed countries, but also to promote an innovative indigenous capacity for technological development, which could revamp the industrial sector as an engine of growth.

Dr Hagan, who is the Director of the Institute of Industrial Research IIR of the Council, was speaking at the maiden forum on "Industrial Technologies for Business 2007" organized by the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research in Kumasi on Tuesday.

Researchers, local fabricators and designers, educational directors, district assemblies, business executives as well as industrial companies and manufacturers attended the forum, sponsored by The Trust Bank. It sought to promote the immense business opportunities offered by the industrial technologies that have been developed by the Centre. The forum featured on fabrication of agro-processing machinery; manufacturing of laboratory glassware; production of activated carbon; production of silk yarn and fabric; calibration; maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment.

Dr Hagan emphasized that, in both developed and developing countries, the competitive advantage of the industrial sector were derived from the capacity to continuously harness science and technology to add value to their indigenous resources.

Dr Benjamin Adu-Amankwa, Dean of the Faculty of Chemical and Materials Engineering of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), called for adequate funding that would enable research institutions and Universities to make their findings attractive to financial institutions to market them.

Mr Isaac Owusu-Hemeng, Managing Director of The Trust Bank, in a speech read on his behalf said, the Bank would continue to assist the Centre in its efforts and also to contribute its quota to aid Ghana's agenda of accelerating her industrial development.

He expressed the hope that after the forum, findings that would be disseminated would find their way into the industry processes where they belonged and not to sit on the shelves.

He said the Bank was interested in knowing to what extent it could support companies that would be utilizing the findings of the Centre. Mr Akenten Appiah-Menkah, an Industrialist and Managing Director of Appiah Menkah Complex, producers of Apino Soap commended the Centre for initiating steps to move the industrial sector forward. He said it was unfortunate that after 50 years of political independence, the nation still wallowed in poverty and ignorance and it was time all stakeholders sat up to address the situation.