Locally produced meals developed by CSIR set to be incorporated into the National School Feeding Programme-Environment Minister

The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, emphasized the need for collaboration. He called for cooperation among government agencies, academia, research institutions, and the private sector. This collaboration is essential to unlock innovation for Ghana's economic development.

Dr. Muhammad spoke at the launch of the Biannual Environment, Science and Technology Forum (BEST). The theme was “Bridging the Gap to Improve Ghana's Innovation and Research Commercialisation Ecosystem for Economic Development.” He expressed concern about the lack of coordination among state institutions.

This lack of coordination hinders effective policy implementation and research application. “We often host conferences and generate great ideas but fail to act,” he said. Without a system for follow-through and collaboration, these events risk becoming mere talk.

He pointed to a recent partnership between the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of Education as a success story. Through this initiative, hygienic meals developed by CSIR will be added to the national school feeding program. This promotes nutrition while supporting local industry.

Dr. Muhammad stressed that such partnerships should be replicated and institutionalized. They are crucial for commercializing research, supporting innovation, and driving sustainable economic growth in Ghana.