Government seeks financial clearance to recruit 400 scientists – Armah Kofi-Buah

The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) is seeking financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance to recruit 400 scientists as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s research and innovation institutions.

Acting Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah said the proposed recruitment is intended to address critical human resource shortages that continue to hamper scientific research, technological advancement and environmental management in the country.

He made the announcement on Monday, July 13, 2026, when Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang paid a working visit to the ministry.

According to Mr Armah Kofi-Buah, discussions with the Ministry of Finance are underway to secure the necessary approval to recruit the scientists into various scientific and research institutions.

“The Ministry is currently in talks with the Ministry of Finance for financial clearance to recruit 400 scientists into the scientific and research institutions to address the critical human resource gaps that are undermining the country’s capacity for scientific research, innovation, environmental management and technological development,” he said.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the government’s agenda of promoting sustainable environmental management while harnessing science, technology and innovation to drive national development.

“Your Excellency, this Ministry stands ready to support the government’s vision for sustainable environmental management and the application of science and technology for national development. On behalf of the Chief Director, all Heads of Agencies, Directors and staff of this Ministry,” he added.

Mr Armah Kofi-Buah also announced the establishment of 32 new district offices of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), saying the expansion was in line with the Agency’s enhanced mandate and would improve environmental governance and service delivery across the country.

On climate action, he disclosed that Ghana had signed agreements with the governments of Singapore, Switzerland and Sweden, with South Korea becoming the latest partner under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

He explained that the agreements would enable Ghana to mobilise financial resources by trading verified emission reductions, helping the country meet its nationally determined contributions under the global climate accord.

While highlighting these achievements, the Acting Minister acknowledged that significant challenges remain and called for sustained investment and strategic interventions to strengthen Ghana’s science, technology and environmental sectors.