Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Murtala Mohammed has underscored the essence of science and research in fostering national development and boosting economies.

But he has acknowledged the gap in effective communication of scientific research and knowledge to influence policy.

He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Capacity Building Workshop for Media Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Reportage held in Accra.

“The most industrialised countries achieved what they have now because they focused on science education and technology advancement. I have profound respect and appreciation of the media can play in the advancement of STI. I realized the lack of proper communication during my tenure as a deputy minister,” he said.

Nearly 30 journalists drawn from across Ghana participated in a five-day workshop.

The weeklong training exposed the journalists to tenets of science and technology reporting in the advancing national developments.

The training is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST).

British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, highlighted the importance of journalists in the dissemination of scientific ideas and findings to impact society.

“Together, all of you are building a network of journalists who understand science, technology and innovation, who see the impact STI is already having in Ghana. I hope you’ll see the huge potential science and technology will have in Ghana in the near and further future,” she said.

Ten journalists out of the 28 participants including the Multimedia Group’s Anass Sabit and Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe were awarded grants to pursue stories in the science and technology field.

They are expected to have further training in science reporting. at the Imperial College - London.