National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has called for increased investment in graduate education, scientific research and innovation, describing them as critical drivers of Ghana’s sustainable development and economic transformation.
Speaking as Guest of Honour at the second edition of the School of Sciences Science Fair under the theme “Advancing Graduate Education for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Research Excellence and Global Impact,” Mr Asiedu Nketia said Ghana’s future prosperity would depend more on the quality of its human capital and scientific discoveries than on its natural resources.
He commended the organisers for selecting what he described as a timely theme, noting that graduate education must equip students to address the complex developmental challenges facing Ghana and the wider global community.
“As an indigene of the Bono Region, I take particular pride in witnessing academic institutions within our region and beyond championing scientific inquiry, innovation and research excellence,” he said.
Mr Asiedu Nketia observed that countries investing heavily in science, technology and innovation continue to lead the world in economic growth, while those that neglect research risk becoming consumers rather than producers of knowledge and technology.
According to him, graduate education should go beyond the acquisition of academic qualifications and focus on producing innovators, entrepreneurs, critical thinkers and problem-solvers capable of transforming society.
“Our universities must become centres where ideas are transformed into innovations, laboratories become incubators for businesses, and research findings influence public policy and industrial development,” he stated.
He urged graduate students to focus their research on practical solutions to national challenges, including food security, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, healthcare innovation, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, water and sanitation, manufacturing, industrial development, entrepreneurship and job creation.
Mr Asiedu Nketia stressed that research should not remain confined to libraries but should translate into practical interventions that improve livelihoods and national development.
He also called for stronger collaboration between government, academia, industry and financial institutions to ensure that promising scientific discoveries receive the support needed for commercialisation.
“The laboratories of our universities should become breeding grounds for startups, patents, commercial products and technological solutions,” he said.
Drawing lessons from countries such as South Korea, Singapore, China and Finland, the NDC Chairman said Ghana possesses equally talented people but requires sustained investment, visionary leadership and an enabling environment to unlock their potential.
He further advocated for evidence-based policymaking, urging governments to rely more on scientific research in developing policies on agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure, environmental protection and industrialisation.
Addressing graduate students, Mr Asiedu Nketia encouraged them to see their academic qualifications as a responsibility to contribute to solving national and global problems.
“Your degrees are not merely certificates; they represent responsibility. Your research should not merely satisfy academic requirements but should contribute meaningfully to solving national and global challenges,” he said.
He also praised faculty members for mentoring future scientists and researchers and encouraged industry leaders to deepen partnerships with universities through internships, collaborative research, innovation hubs and funding opportunities.
Mr Asiedu Nketia concluded by urging young researchers to think globally while addressing local challenges, expressing optimism that the next major scientific breakthrough could emerge from Ghana’s universities.
He said science must ultimately serve humanity by reducing poverty, improving healthcare, protecting the environment, strengthening food security, creating sustainable jobs and promoting national development.
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