Three institutions have donated towards the upcoming maiden Ghana Science Congress scheduled in Accra from August 2nd to 5th, 2011. Anglogold Ashanti presented a cheque for an undisclosed amount, while Airtel Ghana and Zoil Ghana Limited presented cheques for GH¢50, OOO and GH¢IO, OOO, respectively, towards the event to be held on the theme, “Water, Sanitation and Environment: Securing our Future through Science”. Briefing the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), Ms Sherry Ayittey, and the donors on the event in Accra yesterday, the Chairperson of the Congress Planning Committee, Prof. Marian Awurama Addy, explained that the rationale for organising it was to provide a platform for scientists in the country and abroad to deliberate on developmental issues relating to science and technology. She was of the view that organising such a congress lent credence to the seriousness the government attached to science and technology, hence the decision to put together a planning committee made up of experts from varied backgrounds and organisations. Prof. Addy said the choice of the theme was informed by the poor sanitary conditions in some parts of the country and expressed the hope that the congress would dilate on the way forward towards putting Ghana on a sound footing to fight the menace. Ms Ayittey, for her part, stressed the significant role science and technology played in the modem world, as it was the tool that moved the world, with particular reference to innovation and job creation. She recognised the innovations science and technology brought to the mining sector without having to destroy the environment and cited Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam as some developing countries that had taken the bold step in promoting the use of technology in their various sectors. The congress is expected to involve a conference that will provide a platform for experts to present and discuss scientific papers, an exhibition to showcase the products and services of science and technology in Ghana and an awards ceremony to honour men and women who have contributed immensely to the promotion of science in Ghana. Source: Daily Graphic