The Senior Minister, Mr Yaw Osafo Marfo, has commended the role of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research CSIR, in Ghana's development process. He disclosed that cabinet has approved the proposed fund of one per cent towards scientific research from about 0.3 per cent, more than double the initial allocation.
He made these remarks at the "MESTI/CSIR Scientific and Life Time Recognition Awards" held in Accra on Friday 17th May, 2019 as part of their 60th anniversary celebration on the theme "CSIR- 60 Years of Research with Impact for Sustainable Development".
He urged the CSIR to ensure that the allocation of funds reflects in accelerated research.
Mr Osafo Marfo said that about 27 per cent of Africa's population is severely food insecure and encouraged intensified agricultural research into improved new varieties and disease resistant crops.
He said that the President, Nana Akufo-Addo's vision of 1 District 1 Factory is an indication that agriculture is the backbone of Ghana's economy.
He also pointed out that the CSIR has a significant role to play in promoting government's Planting for Food and Jobs agenda.
"We will continue to provide the necessary support because we are unwavering in our belief that research is key to national development" Mr Osafo Marfo stated.
Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI),Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng in his speech said "If the President's vision is to be realized, then, there is the need for a multi-sector approach to ensure that the various ministries were in tune with and complement each other".
"An economic transformation agenda will be stillborn without education, science, industry and agriculture being in tune with each other", he added.
Professor Victor Kwame Agyeman, Director-General of CSIR urged the recognition of the CSIR's work by setting aside a "Science Day" to commemorate the work of all scientists in Ghana.
The awardees include the first female to receive a degree in Zoology in Ghana and also the first female president of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Science; 94 year old Dr Letitia Obeng, Dr William Agble ; a renowned plant breeder, Professor Francis Kofi Ampenyi Allotey; a founding fellow of the African Academy of Sciences , Professor Aba Bentil Audam and Professor Felix Aholu; a pioneer scientist in sickle cell disease.
Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng also received the Medicine Life Time Award.
Other category winners were The Champions of Science and Research Awards which went to Professor E.H Amonoo-Neizer and Mr Abe Incoom while Dr A. B. Salifu, Professor E. Owusu Bennoah, and Professor Rose Emma Entsua-Mensah were awarded for dedicated Service in Research and Development.