Science Innovation Centres To Be Built

The Director of the Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (STEPRI), Dr George Owusu Essegbey, has said the country should formulate policies and programmes that will promote utilisation of science, technology and innovations in its socio-economic activities.

He explained that the STEPRI is facilitating an initiative of the World Bank to create innovation centres and business incubators for the agricultural and food processing sectors.

Dr Essegbey was speaking at the African Scientific Rennaissance Day and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Golden Jubilee workshop in Accra.

It was on the theme: “Food, water and energy challengers:  The role of science, technology and innovation”.

Mr Essegbey stressed the need for Ghanaians to think of how best to apply science, technology and innovation to make Ghana lead the way for other African countries in making the best technology choices.

The Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing, Abubakar Saddique Boniface, called on scientists and technologists to come out with concrete proposals that will enrich the country's policy on environment.

He said the application of science and technology will help the country attain the Millenium Development Goals in time.

Mr Saddique added that the government is committed to increasing the number of science and technical students in higher institutions.

He said his ministry has embarked on a programme to improve the water supply situation in the country to ensure that more than half of the population has access to potable water.

Mr Saddique said his ministry has formulated a national water policy to help the country fully utilise its water resources.