UN to establish Science and Technology Park in Ghana

Accra, May 21, GNA - The United Nations Department of Economics and Social Affairs (UNDESA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications is to set up Science and Technology Park which would manage the flow of knowledge in science and technology among universities.

The Science and Technology Park would serve as a destination for all entrepreneurs and young scientists desirous to grow their ideas to start up from and operate their businesses. It centre would also be a place for up and coming scientists to meet and share ideas.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting for participants from Ghana and Senegal on Wednesday, Mr Kwesi Adu-Gyan, Chief Director of the Ministry of Communications, said the UN in its decision to set up a promotional Science and Technology Park in Africa chose Ghana and Senegal for the project among other African countries.

He said the project, which was to be financed from the United Nations Development Programme Account, would involve assistance for the establishment of the park, its development and management, training of management staff and also raising additional fund for the Park. According to the Chief Director, the Ministry had already put together a Project Management Team (PMT) to assist in the preparation of a Master Plan by compiling data relevant to science and technology and all other issues relevant to the project.

He noted that the Park, which would be situated on the premises of the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSRI) at East Legon, would among other things, help to increase the wealth of the country by promoting the culture of innovation and invention.

Dr George Essebey, Director of the Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (STEPRI), said the idea of setting up the park was in line with the nation's vision of attaining a middle income status by the year 2010.

He said the programme would also help to increase agro-processing in Ghana which would support the preservation and utilization of crops, animal and fish production and the use of standardized packaging materials for export.

Highlighting the importance of the workshop, Dr Essel Ben Hagan, Chairman of the Science and Technology Park Project, said it would help in the exchange ideas and information between stakeholders, promote Science and technology education in the country and also create opportunities for the establishment of the parks in the country.