By: Maame Efua Kwaduah
Director General of the Center for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Professor Paul Obosu has expressed disappointment over the absence of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate and running mate at a crucial dialogue organized by CSIR.
The event, part of the Presidential Dialogue Series, focused on the role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in shaping Ghana’s future.
Despite their absence, Professor Obosu was encouraged by the presence of capable representatives who delivered the party’s vision for advancing STI in the country.
In his address, on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Professor Obosu emphasized that the primary objective of the dialogue was to ensure STI becomes a priority in the national development agenda, particularly as Ghana heads into the 2024 elections. “Science, technology, and innovation are often called the engine of growth for any country. This should not just be a slogan but a guiding principle in shaping our policies,” he stated.
He warned that no meaningful development could be achieved without fully integrating STI into every aspect of the economy. Professor Obosu also highlighted a strong correlation between a country’s investment in STI and its rankings on the Global Innovation Index (GII) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He pointed out that countries with significant investments in science and technology consistently rank higher in both economic performance and innovation.
He further emphasized the urgent need for Ghana to bridge the “technology gap,” which he described as a key factor in reducing poverty. “The poverty gap is a technology gap. If we are serious about reducing poverty, we must increase our investment in science, technology, and innovation,” he noted.
Professor Obosu urged all political parties to ensure that STI plays a central role in their manifestos, as it is crucial for sustainable growth and poverty alleviation.
The dialogue, organized by the CSIR’s Research Staff Association, aimed to engage political parties in discussions about their plans for advancing STI in Ghana as part of their broader election strategies.
