The Government of Ghana has reaffirmed its dedication to harnessing science, innovation, and robust Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as crucial drivers of the country’s sustainable development.
In a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, at the 34th Biennial Conference of the Ghana Science Association (GSA), held at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale, Julius Debrah emphasized the significance of aligning research and innovation with enterprise and governance.
The conference, themed “Leveraging Innovative Science to Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainable Development in Ghana,” resonated with the government’s Reset Agenda, which focuses on job creation, accountability, and shared prosperity.
The Chief of Staff underscored the imperative of synergizing science, technology, industry scale, and government policy to tackle pressing challenges in food security, healthcare, environmental protection, and digital transformation.
Notable examples of successful partnerships cited included the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana’s collaboration with private entities to develop disease-resistant cocoa, the Noguchi Memorial Institute’s pivotal role in Ghana’s COVID-19 response, and innovative renewable energy projects such as the Bui Power Authority’s hydro-solar hybrid system, featuring West Africa’s first 5MW floating solar PV installation.
The government’s Reset Agenda was highlighted, with key interventions in agriculture, healthcare, environment, and digital transformation. In agriculture, the Feed Ghana Programme is being expanded with a ₵1.5 billion allocation, complemented by Olam’s $200 million agro-industrial facilities expected to generate over 4,000 jobs. In healthcare, the establishment of a National Bio-Equivalence Centre and ₵50 million seed funding for the National Vaccine Institute aim to bolster local pharmaceutical production and vaccine self-sufficiency.
Furthermore, initiatives such as the One Million Coders Programme, aimed at training youth in coding, AI, and data analytics, and the construction of 35 new STEM senior high schools and five STEM-focused universities, highlight the government’s commitment to digital transformation and STEM education.
Chief of Staff emphasized the centrality of women, youth, and marginalized groups in national development, citing initiatives like the Women’s Development Bank and affirmative action policies.
“Public-private partnerships are not mere additions, they are urgent pathways for unleashing the innovations Ghana urgently needs,” the statement stressed, urging scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers to deepen collaboration with government to drive sustainable growth.
In conclusion, the government reaffirmed its commitment to science and innovation as the backbone of Ghana’s sustainable development, emphasizing the need for continued synergy between government, industry, and academia to build a prosperous future for all Ghanaians.
The event was organized by the Ghana Science Association (GSA) in collaboration with the University for Development Studies (UDS).
*Phalonzy🖊️*
0272626466
