In a significant step towards fostering collaboration and innovation in science, technology, and innovation (ST&I), a high-level Ghanaian delegation has arrived in London to explore opportunities for the implementation of the UK-Ghana ST&I strategy.

Organised by the British High Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, this visit signifies a pivotal moment in the implementation of the UK-Ghana ST&I strategy co-developed and launched in June last year followed up with an  MOU signed at the UK- Ghana Business Council in January this year.

Led by Johnson Singir, Science and Innovation Officer at the British High Commission, the Ghanaian delegation includes Kwamena Essilfie Quaison, Director of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Ministry for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI) and his Deputy Director Nashiru Salifu.

It also comprises Paul Pinnock Bonsu, the Director General of the Center for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Solomon Adjei, President of the Association of Startups; Kwasi Ofori-Antwi, Deputy Chief of Industrial Promotion at the Trade Ministry.

Others are Emmanuel Kwakye Kontor, Chief planning officer with the Health Ministry and Prospera Nyulemedi Afua Anku, a Deputy Director with the Agriculture Ministry.

The renewed ST&I agenda of the UK government provides yet another opportunity for the Ghana government to understudy the existing national system of innovation in the UK to set the stage for partnership in the UK's new agenda for Science, Technology and Innovation.

The first part is to visit the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office to understand the UK’s priorities in ST&I before visiting strategic institutions in the UK to learn about their operations in the context of ST&I and also have an engagement with managers and experts of the institutions.

The UK-Ghana ST&I strategy aims to strengthen the partnership between the two countries in the areas of research, innovation, and technology transfer. seeking to leverage the strengths of both nations to address common challenges and promote sustainable development.

During their visit to London, the Ghanaian delegation will join compatriots from Kenya and South Africa also led by the British High Commission Science and Innovation officers in both countries to engage with their UK counterparts in a series of meetings and discussions to explore potential areas of collaboration.

These include:

Research and Development: The delegation will explore opportunities for joint research projects in areas such as health, agriculture, renewable energy, and climate change. They will also discuss ways to enhance research capacity and infrastructure in Ghana.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The delegation will meet with UK-based startups, incubators, and accelerators to learn about best practices in innovation and entrepreneurship. They will explore ways to support Ghanaian startups and promote a culture of innovation.

Technology Transfer and Capacity Building: The delegation will discuss ways to facilitate the transfer of technology from the UK to Ghana and build the capacity of Ghanaian institutions to adopt and adapt new technologies.

Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: The delegation will exchange ideas on policy and regulatory frameworks that support innovation and technology transfer. They will explore ways to create an enabling environment for ST&I in Ghana.

Education and Skills Development: The delegation will explore opportunities for collaboration in education and skills development, including exchange programs, scholarships, and training initiatives.

Private Sector Engagement: The delegation will engage with UK-based companies to explore opportunities for investment and collaboration in ST&I. They will also discuss ways to promote private-sector participation in research and innovation.

Overall, the visit of the Ghanaian delegation to London represents a significant step towards strengthening the partnership between the UK and Ghana in the field of ST&I.

It is hoped that the discussions and collaborations that emerge from this visit will contribute to the advancement of science, technology, and innovation in both countries and contribute to sustainable development.