Agona Swedru, Aug 14, GNA - The Ministry of Environment and Science is to institute a best science researcher award for the staff of research institutions to enhance science and technology. Ms Christine Churcher, Minister of Environment and Science, said this at a workshop to sensitise members of Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment, Science and Technology and staff of research institutions at Agona Swedru.

She said the award would encourage to do more research for industrial growth.

Ms Churcher stated that, "If cars, fridges, TV sets cassette radios and others had been given to teachers as incentive to boost their morale why should the same thing not be done for science researchers". She stressed that many researchers had abandoned their work on drawing boards for lack of support and assured them that the Ministry was doing everything possible to address the issue.

The Ministry was working around the clock to improve the services conditions of research institutions, she said, adding that, more workshops would be organised for MPs of Select Committees to keep them abreast with problems for debate in Parliament.

Ms Churcher assured researchers of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) that the Ministry would provide ready market for their products for industries and companies to patronise.