The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has made a passionate call for a national shift towards bridging the widening gap between research and commercialization, citing it as essential for unlocking Ghana’s economic potential and tackling the country’s unemployment crisis.
Speaking at the official launch of the Biannual Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Forum in Accra, the Minister underscored the urgent need for coordinated national efforts to transform research findings into viable commercial solutions that can drive industrial growth and job creation.
He said Ghana has brilliant minds in its universities and research institutions, yet their groundbreaking work too often remains locked away in laboratories and academic journals, instead of being transformed into viable products and services that can improve lives and create jobs.
Dr. Murtala Muhammed expressed appreciation to development partners and stakeholders for their ongoing support and highlighted Ghana’s untapped potential—ranging from rich natural resources to a vibrant, youthful population.
However, he lamented that despite Ghana ranking among the top 10 African countries in research output, the country still lags behind in innovation. Ghana is currently placed 108th out of 130 on the Global Innovation Index, and filed only 12 patent applications in 2023, compared to China’s 1.6 million, ranking Ghana 126th globally.
He said this reflects the country’s weak intellectual property culture and a lack of systemic support for innovators.
To address these challenges, the Ministry is rolling out several reforms to create a more enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship:
The Ghana Innovation and Research Commercialization (GIRC) Centre is being transformed into the Ghana Innovation Agency.
The Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill is in development to provide legal and financial incentives to startups.
Revised Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and Nuclear Safety Policies are currently under Cabinet review.
Proposals have been submitted for a national Space Agency and increased funding for intellectual property registration and commercialization, in collaboration with the Registrar-General’s Department.
The Minister also raised concerns over poor coordination among government agencies, which he said has led to duplication of efforts and waste of public resources. He stated that the lack of inter-ministerial communication has cost the state millions, citing examples of parallel projects unknowingly executed by different agencies.
In his remarks at the forum, UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Raymond Moukola highlighted the strategic importance of science and technology in national development.
He said the goal is clear—to breed progress by bridging the gap between research and commercialization. This will unlock limitless opportunities for job creation, industry diversification, and global competitiveness.
The forum, he noted, represents a tangible commitment to SDG 17—Partnerships for the Goals—and embodies a future where Ghana becomes greener, smarter, and more inclusive.
Chief Director of the Ministry, Ms. Suweibatu Adams, announced that the BEST Forum will be held twice annually and serve as a national platform for promoting innovation, sharing ideas, and fostering collaboration across sectors.
She said the forum will provide networking opportunities and raise awareness about the importance of science, technology, and innovation. The event will feature exhibitions of cutting-edge research and technological advancements.
The forum also seeks to foster dialogue between researchers, investors, and entrepreneurs, and will showcase innovations in key areas including renewable energy, digital technology, and climate-smart agriculture.
Through this initiative, Ghana aims to build an ecosystem where local ideas are transformed into global solutions, and innovation becomes central to sustainable economic growth.
Story by: Osman Issah Abadoo
