Mr Mahama Ayariga, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, has expressed the need for the appointment of scientists to key sectors in the public service.

This, he, said would facilitate decisions and help develop a holistic national strategy on science.

Mr Ayariga, who was speaking during a familiarisation visit to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), in Accra said Ghana needs to reposition science as the real engine for productivity and scientists should be placed at leadership or strategic governance positions to help inform and shape policies.

The Minister was accompanied by Dr Yahuza Gomda, Director in charge of Science and Technology at the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Mr Alexander Kwaning, Director of Administration and Finance.

Mr Ayariga said one of the basic challenges of many developing countries is how to meet their energy needs as the natural resources are not enough to propel growth.

He said it was a surprise that Ghana did not have a nuclear power to fuel its energy needs as it was the intention of the first President, Kwame Nkrumah, to use the power to meet the country’s energy challenges.

Mr Ayariga said government is exploring nuclear energy as a source of power supply to keep up with the vision Dr Nkrumah.

He said there is the need to promote the activities of the GAEC by hosting regular science exhibitions to uphold research and to raise funds for the efforts of the Commission.

Mr Ayariga said next month the President would attend an event for Ghanaian scientists to be hosted by the Columbia University in the United States and whilst there he would meet with the experts to see how they could help and partner with their colleagues in Ghana to find solutions to the country’s concerns.

Professor Benjamin Jabez Botwe Nyarko, Director-General, GAEC, asked the Minister to help secure the land earmarked for the Kuntunse Space Science facility from encroachers.

He said the main institutions under the Commission include: the Nuclear Research Institute, Biotechnology and Nuclear Research Institute, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Radiation Protection Institute, School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute.

The GAEC is one of the agencies under the Ministry of Environment Science, Technology and Innovation. Other agencies under the Ministry include the Environmental Protection Agency, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Town and Country Planning Department.