By Kizito CUDJOE – London, United Kingdom
A high-profile Ghanaian delegation, together with counterparts from Kenya and South Africa, has arrived in London, United Kingdom (UK) to explore the vast opportunities arising from the implementation of the UK-Ghana Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy (ST&I).
The move forms part of efforts to foster collaboration and innovation in science, technology, and innovation (ST&I), within the three countries.
The visit, which was organized by the British High Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, for the Ghanaian team, is deemed to be pivotal in the implementation of the UK-Ghana ST&I strategy.
This strategy was co-developed and launched last June and was recently followed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the UK-Ghana Business Council in January this year.
Led by Johnson Singir, Science and Innovation Officer at the British High Commission, the Ghanaian delegation comprises key figures, including Kwamena Essilfie Quaison, Director of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Ministry for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), and his Deputy Director Nashiru Salifu.
Others include Paul Pinnock Bonsu, the Director-General of the Center for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Solomon Adjei, President of the Association of Startups; Kwasi Ofori-Antwi, Deputy Chief of Industrial Promotion at the Trade Ministry; Emmanuel Kwakye Kontor, Chief Planning Officer with the Health Ministry; and Prospera Nyulemedi Afua Anku, a Deputy Director with the Agriculture Ministry.
The renewed ST&I agenda of the UK government offers a unique opportunity for the Ghanaian government to glean insights from the existing national innovation system in the UK.
This exploration aims to pave the way for a robust partnership aligning with the UK’s new agenda for Science, Technology, and Innovation.
The delegation’s itinerary includes a visit to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office to gain a comprehensive understanding of the UK’s priorities in ST&I. Subsequently, they will engage with strategic institutions in the UK, to understand the intricacies of ST&I operations within the British context.
The UK-Ghana ST&I strategy, a collaborative endeavor, seeks to fortify the partnership between the two countries in areas including research, innovation, and technology transfer. The primary objective is to synergize the strengths of both countries to address shared challenges and promote sustainable development.
During their stay, the delegation, alongside their counterparts from Kenya and South Africa, will partake in a series of meetings and discussions with their UK counterparts to explore potential collaborations.
Key focus areas include:
- Research and Development: Joint exploration of opportunities for collaborative research projects in critical sectors such as health, agriculture, renewable energy, and climate change. The delegation aims to enhance research capacity and infrastructure in Ghana.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Meetings with UK-based startups, incubators, and accelerators to assimilate best practices in innovation and entrepreneurship. The goal is to foster a culture of innovation and provide support to Ghanaian startups.
- Technology Transfer and Capacity Building: Discussions centered around facilitating the transfer of technology from the UK to Ghana, bolstering the capacity of Ghanaian institutions to adopt and adapt new technologies.
- Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Exchange of ideas on policy and regulatory frameworks conducive to innovation and technology transfer. The aim is to create an enabling environment for ST&I in Ghana.
- Education and Skills Development: Exploration of collaborative opportunities in education and skills development, including exchange programs, scholarships, and training initiatives.
- Private Sector Engagement: Engaging with UK-based companies to explore investment opportunities and collaborations in ST&I. Deliberations will also revolve around promoting private-sector participation in research and innovation.
It is anticipated that the outcomes of these discussions and collaborations will not only advance science, technology, and innovation in both countries but also contribute significantly to sustainable development and economic growth.
