[ 2012-07-08 ]

Government To Set Up Science And Technology Fund
The government has released GH˘2 million for the
establishment of a science, technology and
innovation fund to promote science research and
innovation to empower Ghanaian industries in the
use of research and applications for a sustainable
development.

The Minister of Environment, Science and
Technology, Ms Sherry Ayittey, announced this at
the opening ceremony of a two-day consultation for
African Regional Member Countries of the
Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau International
(CABI) in Accra.

The consultation, held on theme: “Working in
Partnership to Improve Livelihoods,” was organised
by CABI in collaboration with the Centre for
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

It was aimed at identifying priority areas of
member countries, reviewing results of past
consultations and adopting new strategies to
improve agriculture and related industries.

The minister said a board would soon be
constituted to oversee the science, technology and
innovations fund to make it fully operational.

She added that the time had come for countries in
Africa to become self-sufficient in food
production, especially with the appropriate use of
science and technological innovations to mitigate
climate change factors.

Ms Ayittey was confident that activities of CABI
would provide the synergy between agriculture,
science, technology, trade and industry.

She added that it could bridge the gap between the
sufficient and vulnerable groups of society for
sustainable growth.

The Executive Director of International
Development, Dennis Rangi, said challenges arising
around the world—due to change—were a force to
unite nations.

He said that would enable them evolve strategies
to minimise the effects of such hardships.

He advocated that Africans should work together to
reduce poverty and ensure food security on the
continent.

The Director-General of the CSIR, Dr Abdulai
Salifu, said his outfit was keen on strengthening
collaboration with CABI for the benefit of the
country’s industries.

He said the joint venture would enhance
agricultural and other industries by imparting
relevant knowledge to effect positive change.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CABI, Trevor
Nicholls, expressed pleasure at Ghana’s
willingness to prioritise agriculture and devote
resources to it.

He said CABI would avail its large database for
use by scientists and various change agents to
promote sustainable development in the country.

CABI is a non-profit science-based organisation
that seeks to reduce poverty and improve
livelihoods through scientific research,
information provision and provision of
implementation strategies to improve agriculture
in countries around the world.

Established in 1910 under a United Nations treaty,
CABI currently has a membership of 47, with 17
from Africa.

Source - Daily Graphic

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