A ceremony to begin work on Ghana's first Technology Park at Adako-Jachie in the Ejisu-Juaben `Municipality of the Ashanti Region was held on Thursday. The 2 million dollar-project is being funded jointly by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and IBIS TECH, a business consultancy firm. On completion, it would bring together experts from across the scientific, technological and industrial disciplines for collaboration and nurturing of ideas for the growth of companies and firms that would reside at the Park. Additionally, it would enhance technology-based industries with development capabilities and training while partnering with industry leaders. Facilities provided for include incubation, research and development centres. Vice President John Dramani Mahama, in an address read for him, said science and technology hold the key to Ghana's sustainable socio-economic development and therefore government would support programmes and projects in these two areas. This, he said, would lead to wealth creation to alleviate poverty among the people and improve their living conditions. The Vice President said he was confident that with the availability of technical and competent staff, the Park would provide expert opinions and approaches and also offer innovative and cost effective solutions to business problems. This according to him would go a long way to enhance the link between the University and industry, a synergy, which is attested as a basic tool for national progress. Vice President Mahama lauded the Technical Consultancy Centre (TCC) of KNUST and IBIS TECH for the initiative saying, it would help to protect the intellectual property of faculty members, under-graduate and post-graduate students in the country. He re-echoed government's determination to extend the Mathematics, Science and Technology Scholarship schemes to all state-owned universities in the country to harness the potentials of students in science and technology. The Vice President said the scheme seeks to enhance education in science and technology, adding that in future 60 per cent of students, who gain admission into public universities, would be encouraged to pursue science-based courses. He urged KNUST to liaise with industries in the Ashanti Region, particularly the Suame Magazine to help develop the skills and expertise of the mechanics and artisans to boost their trade. Dr Peggy Oti-Boateng, Director of the TCC, said since its establishment in 1978, the Centre had contributed immensely to achieving breakthroughs in the areas of agriculture, engineering, science and technology through research. Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, Vice Chancellor of the University, was upbeat about the potential of the Park to transform the private sector into a development tool. Nana Osei Bosompem III, Chief of Adako-Jachie, said apart from the Park, he had also released land to the Kumasi Polytechnic for development to enhance education. Source: GNA