Hot!
Scientists and innovators, key to Ghana’s development – Prof Alex Dodoo
Ghana needs deliberate efforts by scientists and innovators to turn the economy around if it hopes be like other developed countries.
The Director-General, Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Prof Alex Dodoo who made the call said the way was to create jobs through industrialisation to improve the wellbeing of the citizenry.
He was speaking at the standardisation, certification and conformity assessment workshop held in Accra under the theme: “advancing standards and certification in research and innovation: Building a symbolic relationship with regulators and a culture of standards among researchers and innovators.”
Brought together by Heritors in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research with support from RISA Fund and FCDO, he charged relevant stakeholders in the innovation cycle to work together as a team not in silo.
“There is the need for symbolic relationship between service providers, researchers and innovators in promoting adherence to standards and pursuing certification as first option in product and innovation development” he stated.
Prof Dodoo said countries that have transitioned from underdevelopment thrived on the back of deliberate policies that utilised the application of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for development.
“Throughout history, major transformative shifts in countries growth and development trajectories have often been linked with the successful application of STI.
“The experience of successful developing countries shows that STI policies that are well integrated into national development strategies and combined institutional and organisational changes can help raise productivity, improve firm competitiveness, support faster growth and above all create jobs,” he said.
Buttressing his views, the Deputy Director –General of CSIR Marian Quain reiterated the Council’s vision to use the transforming power of STI for wealth creation and the mission to become the force for accelerated social and economic development of Ghana through examing , exploring and creating science and Technology catalysts for public and private wealth creation.
Innovation she said defined by the Oslo Manual 1 of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) as “the implementation of a new or significantly improved product (good or service) or process, a new marketing method, or a new organizational method in business practices, workplace organization or external relations.”
“Research is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions and is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings.”
“Adherence to standards and certification are therefore critical to ensure quality and acceptance of the results generated from Research and Innovations. This provides client confident in an ecosystem of modernization” she stated.
The Chief Executive of Heritors Lab, Derrydean Dadzie said the reality of the situation, was that STI have not kept pace with population growth to create the needed jobs, saying “the investments Ghana has made in STI have not commensurate impact in terms of jobs, economic emancipation and national development.”
He told Ghanaian scientists to be bold to confront the government and stand up to be counted by moving from their comfort zone.
“Ghanaian scientists and technologists must also to take-up the challenge of using Ghanaian science, academic expertise, raw materials, and professionals to build appropriate social infrastructural, energy and services to propel economic growth” he stated.
BY BENEDICTA GYIMAAH FOLLEY
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
Hot!
Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
