The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Hassan Ayariga says ,Government has noted the achievement made by the researchers and is prepared to work closely with the private sector, especially Ghanaian companies to partner with the research institution so as to realign their research objectives to suit their industrial and technological needs.
He said the MESTI is willing and prepared to support institutions that can harness the scientific and technological needs of this country.
Hon Ayariga made this at opening ceremony of the maiden edition of collaborative technology fair held at the Ghana technology university college in Accra, stating that the Ministry believes in creativity and innovation where institutions have the ability to develop technologies without any restrictions and come out with creative and innovative ideals as well as cutting edge research which advance the frontiers of businesses and promote national development.
The Minister Address issue related to industrial partnership between the R&D institutions and the Ghanaian industry, saying that the ministry and its partners provided a grant of USD 500,000 to the University of Ghana, CSIR, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana Technology University College and Kumasi Polytechnic to establish technology development, marketing, innovation and transfer offices, canters to facilitate effective partnership between research institutions and the private sector for the purpose of developing and transferring innovative demand driven technologies.
He touched on MESTI and COTVET project which over the years has made strong impact on the direction of the Kumasi polytechnic.
‘It is my expectation that research institutions would take a leading role in spearheading Ghana’s economic growth by identifying and nurturing early-stage technologies and facilitates their transition into the development of new products for the benefit of the society. ‘he said.
‘It is my hope that at least 10 MOUs will be signed between our institutions and industry player of key technologies that will be showcased here.’he said.
In an interview with the president of Ghana Technology University College Dr. Osei Darkwa disclose to modernghana online.com that entrepreneurship is the key to development so government must consider and put up good innovation to sustain student with technology ideal.
He said Ghana Technology University has a brand to develop commercially viable product through the use of research method to spare head the development of technology in the country.
This collaboration he said brings academia closely to industries so student could use the skills provided by academia institution to achieve much in life.
Dr. Darkwa said the fair is to create awareness because since there is a big cap in academia and industries, in doing that we can produce student who have the right skills to develop technology and bring it to the door step of Ghanaians.
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