Minister advocates adequate investments in science, technology
Adequate investments in science and technology is crucial for meaningful and sustainable economic growth and development in countries in the Southern part of the world.
Dr Joe Oteng-Adjei, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovations, who made the observation, said it was, therefore, essential for those countries to vigorously and effectively promote excellence in science and technology.
He made the remarks at the joint inaugural session of the 2nd Consultative Committee Meeting and the 16th Coordinating Council Meeting of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), in Accra on Wednesday.
He said throughout history, civilizations had harnessed the use of science to achieve remarkable progress thereby improving the lives of people.
Dr Oteng-Adjei said for any nation to succeed in bringing the best quality of life to its people, it must make science, technology and innovation key; to its socio-economic development.
He said Government would continue to pursue its “Better Ghana Agenda” and free computer laptop distribution to enhance academic work.
Dr Oteng-Adjei said the global trade environment, which is dominated by rapidly emerging technologies and processes, produced and developed in the North and far-East of the world, are gradually beginning to threaten local enterprises in the South.
He said: “I would like to emphasize the need for centres of excellence of COMSATS to put in more effort not only for the sustainable development of the South, but also be a key focus of international cooperation in the larger interest of mankind”.
Dr Oteng-Adjei said the setting up of the centres of excellence, was to ensure the building of adequate capacity in advanced scientific and technological competences in the South for healthy cooperation with the North in science and technology.
He said these centres, generally promote and facilitate the transfer of technology, provide highly qualified technical personnel to industry; provide the platform for finding scientific solutions to intricate developmental and environmental problems in the South; and encourage joint technological ventures amongst the members of the Network.
Source: GNA