Accra: Ghana must reform its innovation diffusion strategy to break the barriers between academic research and real-world application, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) has said. Speaking at the Biannual Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Forum in Accra, Dr Muhammed highlighted the issue of many breakthrough discoveries remaining locked in laboratories and research institutions, thus limiting their economic potential.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Muhammed emphasized that while Ghana’s universities and research institutions house brilliant minds, their groundbreaking work often stays confined to academic or laboratory settings instead of being transformed into vital goods and services that could enhance the economy. The forum, themed ‘Bridging the Gap to Improve Ghana’s Innovation and Research Commercialization Ecosystem for Economic Development’, gathered academics, entrepreneurs, government officials, and investors to address the challenge of scaling innovation in the country.
Dr Muhammed stressed the necessity of strategic collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers. He noted that although many institutions possess strong ideas, they often lack the financial and structural support needed for commercialization. ‘We must establish strong networks that connect researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors,’ he stated, underscoring the importance of partnership in driving innovation forward.
Mr Edmund Moukala, UNESCO Country Director, echoed the Minister’s sentiments by advocating for a conducive regulatory and financial environment that encourages risk-taking and investment. He emphasized that innovations must receive the necessary support to transition from prototype to production, which includes expanding incubators and accelerators and ensuring policies that protect intellectual property rights.
Mr Moukala further suggested that Ghana could evolve into a hub for innovation-driven growth if public-private partnerships were deepened and researchers were equipped with tools to translate their ideas into market-ready commercial solutions.
Ms Suweibatu Adam, Chief Director at MESTI, announced that the Ministry is prioritizing collective action through new platforms designed to unite ecosystem players. One such initiative is the creation of a ‘common market space’ to facilitate the exchange of ideas, technologies, and investment opportunities among innovators, businesses, and government actors. She stressed the need to bridge the gap between research and production for Ghana to fully leverage science, technology, and innovation for national development.
The BEST Forum serves as a platform to promote innovation, foster collaboration, and raise awareness of the importance of science and technology across sectors. It is also aimed at advancing sustainable development and addressing socio-economic challenges through the commercialization of home-grown solutions.