Find innovative ways to diversify staple foods…Scientists told

Scientists have been entreated to find innovative ways to diversify staple foods to increase consumption among Ghanaians.

Such innovations according to the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kwaku Afriyie would help tackle the challenge of importation in the country.

He made the assertion at the opening of the 34th ordinary session of the West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF) directors meeting in Accra on Tuesday.

The three-day meeting organised by Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in partnership with CORAF seeks to discuss matters surrounding science, technology and innovation in the field of agriculture.

It brought together representatives from diverse research institutions, governmental bodies, and private sector entities.

Dr Afriyie revealed that Ghana spends per anum 3.5 million dollars in importation of foods that could locally be manufactured in Ghana adding that the high dependence on imported food , despite vast untapped domestic potential, came with ramifications for the cedi and local job prospects.

He was of the view that the staple value chain in Ghana, when supported would lead to increased commercialisation and improved production of high quality and quantities that are competitive, adding that it will also help reduce the impact of imports on the economy.

He stated that the result of such investments will have far-reaching impacts on the economy, as it will retain value within, as well as create sustainable jobs for the country’s teeming youth.

He called on all stakeholders to create an enabling environment that encouraged the adoption of scientific knowledge and technological advancements in Ghana and Africa as a whole.

Mr Bryan Acheampong, Minister, Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in a speech read on his behalf said Ghana’s food production dropped yearly and was expected to drop further as time went by, due to the impact of climate change.

He explained that long dry spells, floods and increase in temperature, were impacting the country’s agriculture sector which had led to decline in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He noted that continuous decline could lead to food insecurity, poverty, and malnutrition.

The Executive Director of CORAF, Dr Abdou Tenkouano said his outfit was committed to improving agriculture in Africa, hence thanked CSIR for their immense contribution to food security.

Prof Paul Pinnock Bosu, Director-General, (CSIR) said the council had to shifted its focus from being a public sector institution to a private sector-driven research institution.

As a result, the council now liaised more with the private sector and conduct research to assist in product development, including the use of innovation, to make the council competitive on the global market.

BY BENEDICTA GYIMAAH FOLLEY