Higher learning institutions must help build capacities in STI – Dr Afriyie
Institutions of higher learning need to be strengthened to help build capacities in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), Dr Kwaku Afriyie, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, says.
That, he said was one of the surest ways to meeting the needs of the society.
Dr Afriyie who was addressing the 3rd graduation of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) College of Science and Technology (CCST) at Kwadaso in Kumasi, said science must interact with society and solve societal challenges.
“In my opinion, I see CCST as one of the institutions that needs to be strengthened to build STI capacity considering the vast state-of-the-arts facilities, equipment and field stations at the disposal of the college.”
The ceremony saw a batch of 38 students graduating in various Master of Science and Master of Philosophy disciplines for the 2021/2022 academic year.
It was held on the theme “Science and Technology Education for Industrial Development.”
Dr Afriyie noted that STI, undeniably, drove the economic development around the world, adding that a country like Ghana should not be left behind as nations progressed in the economy and industry.
“For a country to be classified as emerging, it must present some characteristics, each include economic growth and progressive industrialisation among others.
“If not for anything, the challenges of COVID-19 have also provided the opportunities for us as scientists to do more and live up to our responsibilities,” Dr Afriyie stated.
He said the government, through the ministry, was currently working on a framework and technology facilitation mechanism to mainstream STI in all productive sectors of the economy.
Dr Afriyie challenged the CSIR to create platforms and take centre stage in supporting and enhancing research, research commercialisation, publications, patents, technology transfer, industry-science-academia collaboration as well as reaching markets.
Professor Mark Appiah, CCST President, said the college which placed emphasis on skills development and entrepreneurship would continue to train students to meet the requirements for the job market.
He urged the graduating students to “work hard, take risks, innovate” and contribute to the sustainable development of Ghana.
Prof. Appiah said they must use the skills acquired to contribute to making some of the country’s flagship programmes more successful.
FROM KINGSLEY E.HOPE, KUMASI
