The Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Environment Science Technology and Innovation (MESTI) is set to increase scientific research fund by one percent (1%) of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
This was disclosed by the Minister of MESTI Prof. Frimpong Boateng on his second working visit to the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).
Addressing the staff of GAEC and the media, the minister lamented at the numerous challenges confronting the commission. He described the issue of encroachment on GAEC lands, poor electricity supply and sustainable research funding as disturbing.
According to him “The government is to allocated more funds for research institutions in the country to enable them function effectively”
He expressed worry at the fact that, research institutions including GAEC, CSIR and Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research don’t receive the needed financial support to aid in their operations.
He challenged researchers to develop innovative ways of attracting local funding to expand their work, so that their findings would be owned locally for sustainable development.
He promised government’s support to help commercialize scientific findings by the commission.
On issues of encroachment on GAEC lands, Prof. Frimpong Boateng assured that, his office is liaising with the Interior Ministry and the Inspector General of Police for investigation to salvage the situation.
Prof. Frimpong Boateng on the other hand, proposed to initiate a discussion with the Ministry of Energy to ensure a viable option from the current prepaid billing for sensitive research laboratories across the country. This he said will save delicate and historical samples from irreparable damages.
