By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MEST), Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to prioritising local innovations as a key strategy to drive its import substitution agenda.
He made this known during his familiarisation visit to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and its Food Research Institute (FRI), where he engaged with scientists and stakeholders on leveraging research and development for national growth.
During his visit, Mr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed emphasised the need for stronger government support for scientific research and innovation to reduce Ghana’s overreliance on imports.
“If we focus on supporting institutions such as CSIR with the needed financial support, I believe we will be able to produce locally what we currently import,” he stated.
He expressed concern about Ghana’s import bill, which according to available data in 2024 stood at over US$2.5billion.
Drawing from his experience as a former Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. Muhammed highlighted how policy interventions under the previous Mahama administration successfully reduced rice imports by 60 percent while increasing local production by 40 percent.
He stressed that similar approaches must be adopted to boost domestic production and support research institutions.
Strengthening research
The minister reassured researchers at CSIR that government recognises their role in national development and will work to provide the necessary backing, noting innovation remains a critical aspect of scientific research.
“The Ministry of Communication focuses on IT-related innovation, but that does not exclude us from engaging in innovations related to agriculture, water resources and other scientific fields,” he clarified.
Research commercialisation
In line with efforts to enhance self-sufficiency, the minister advocated commercialisation of research output from institutions like CSIR.
He explained that while research itself remains a public good, commercialising its outcomes will generate revenue to sustain research institutions.
“I am looking at how some research institutes can take up state contracts, such as supplying food for the school feeding programme,” he suggested.
He also underscored the importance of aligning research policies with national development strategies – noting that President Mahama is committed to increasing budgetary allocations for research, recognising its role in driving economic transformation.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to secure international funding for research institutions, stating: “We are engaging consultants to explore funding opportunities for agencies such as CSIR. The ministry will ensure proper coordination so that funds are distributed based on priority areas”.
Professor Paul P. Bosu, Director-General of CSIR, echoed the minister’s sentiments, explaining that the institute is actively involved in research on key crops such as rice, maize, cowpea etc.
However, he expressed concern over funding constraints, particularly due to the withdrawal of USAID support under the present U.S. administration.
He further elaborated on the potential impact of funding shortages for ongoing projects, saying: “We have about 15 major projects in areas like cowpea, rice and maize breeding that are supported by USAID. If the funding is cut, these projects will stall and we will need alternative resources to continue. We are putting together a comprehensive report to outline the necessary interventions”.
Land use and encroachment
One of the key issues discussed was encroachment on CSIR lands, with the minister expressing reservations about the practice of selling prime research lands to address short-term financial challenges.
“If we keep giving up these lands without solving the underlying funding problems, in ten years we will face the same issues but with no land left to sell,” he cautioned.
He assured CSIR leadership that he will review all contracts related to land transactions, ensuring they align with national development goals. He also indicated plans to engage with the Ministry of Housing to ensure a coordinated approach to land management.
