Political polarization is killing research in Ghana - Ablakwa

The Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says the polarization of Ghana’s politics is killing research in the country.

Noting that research is required to diversify the economy, Mr Ablakwa said scientists and researchers in the country are hiding their discoveries because they do not want the public to brand them as supporting any political party.

He said effective structures should be put in place to enhance research on the continent and called for more investment in that regard.

He observed that through research the Ministry of Education has been able to detect that teaching or training a child in his mother tongue enables him to learn other languages easily.

The Deputy Minister was addressing participants at the 7th Network meeting of the Centre of Africa Excellence in Accra. It was supported by the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) of the University of Ghana, the Deutscher Akademischer AustauschDienst (DAAD), and other organisations.

The event which was attended by stakeholders in the education, scientific and communication sectors, gave participants the platform to brainstorm on appropriate measures that would enhance research in Ghana and the African continent.

Mr. Ablakwa stated that a national research fund bill that would encourage research for national development and growth is currently before parliament.