Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Prof. Frimpong-Boateng has revealed government has completed the process for the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy to be incorporated in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
According to him, the policy which is awaiting executive accent, will address the inadequate scientific expertise in the country and lack of an effective advocacy for STI at the highest policy levels. It will also bridge the linkage between policy formulation, research development and national developmental planning.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng disclosed this at the STEM Conference of the Africa Science Week in Accra on Friday, September 28.
He revealed, a Presidential Advisory Council for Science and Technology (PACSTI) made up of distinguished scientists, technologists and industrialists will shortly be established.
‘’The Advisory Council is expected to provide to the President- confidential, timely and evidence-based advice on STI policy issues to advance the contribution of STI to Ghana’s technological and economic advancement,’’ he explained.
Background
The STI Policy was last year drafted before Cabinet with the objective to spell out the allocation of funds to research institutions such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), universities and various educational institutions.
National R & D Fund
Prof. Frimpong Boateng said the Attorney General is currently preparing the bill for the National Research and Development (R&D) Fund which is to be established in accordance with President Akufo-Addo’s promise to devote 1 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to R&D in the short term. This will then be increased to about 2.5 percent in the long term.
Africa Science Week
The conference was held as part of a series of coordinated events to commemorate the maiden Next Einstein Forum (NEF) Africa Science Week Ghana celebrations which brought together scores of participants from Academia, the Diplomatic Corps, Corporate Ghana, the STEM network in Ghana as well as participants across the African continent.
Under the theme: ‘Accelerating Growth and Development through STEM’, the conference elevated the conversation of STEM education to foster greater participation and encourage the active adoption of STEM to accelerate Ghana’s development.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, who was Chairperson of the Conference delivered the keynote address.
H.E. Christoph Retzlaff, German Ambassador to Ghana, also present, was Co-chairperson of the conference.
By Mawuli Y. Ahorlumegah
