The Governments of the UK and Ghana have reaffirmed their commitment to fully implementing the 2023 UK-Ghana Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) Strategy. This joint initiative aims to strengthen the partnership between the two nations in areas such as research, innovation, and technology transfer. The strategy is designed to coordinate the research ecosystem, commercialize research, promote knowledge and skill sharing, and support academic partnerships in research and innovation across both countries.
At a closing ceremony for a five-day training on ST&I reporting for journalists in Accra, British High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms. Harriet Thompson, and Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, reiterated their dedication to the strategy’s full implementation.
The event was part of a broader capacity-building initiative under the UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy, where ten Ghanaian science communicators were awarded £1,000 each in science reporting grants. These communicators will also receive further training at Imperial College London to enhance their skills in reporting on science, technology, and innovation.
Ms. Thompson highlighted the importance of research commercialization, emphasizing that raising awareness is crucial to achieving the strategy’s goals. She praised the readiness of Ghanaian journalists to report on science issues and called on them to support the strategy’s implementation. “Your role in raising awareness is vital, and we are counting on your efforts to help deliver on this joint strategy,” she noted.
Dr. Muhammed stressed that the partnership between the UK and Ghana is crucial to leveraging science, technology, and innovation to address common challenges. He noted that science is key to national development and highlighted its potential to solve pressing issues like illegal mining and environmental degradation. The commercialisation of research outputs is a priority for Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, and Dr. Muhammed pledged to work closely with the UK to implement the ST&I strategy effectively.
Mrs. Linda Asante Agyei, Vice President of the Ghana Journalists’ Association, emphasized the importance of equipping journalists with the necessary skills to report accurately and compellingly on ST&I, including topics like Artificial Intelligence (AI). She urged institutions to continue supporting journalists in building their capacity to cover science issues.
The successful implementation of the UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy is expected to have a significant impact on Ghana’s technological advancement and economic growth. By fostering innovation, promoting research commercialization, and facilitating knowledge exchange, the strategy could help drive key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. The strategy also aims to position Ghana as a hub for scientific research and innovation in West Africa, attracting international investments and partnerships.
As Ghana looks to develop its science and technology sector, the potential for economic transformation is vast. The collaboration between the UK and Ghana could help accelerate technological innovation, create jobs, and enhance the country’s global competitiveness. By leveraging research and innovation, Ghana can address critical challenges, improve productivity across industries, and ultimately achieve long-term economic growth and sustainability.
