Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Dr Julius Debrah, says the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has a pivotal role in supporting the government’s 24-Hour Economy programme through research and skilled manpower.

Delivering a speech on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the investiture of Professor Christian Agyare as the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the university, Dr Debrah said the university must help provide the knowledge and innovation needed to drive Ghana’s industrial transformation.

He noted that while the country had recorded encouraging economic growth, sustained development would depend on creating jobs, expanding manufacturing and strengthening productive sectors of the economy.

Dr Debrah said science, technology and innovation were central to the government’s vision of increasing productivity under the 24-Hour Economy initiative.

“The Government’s 24-Hour Economy Programme is designed to increase productive capacity, support continuous industrial activity and create quality employment at scale. Manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and digital technology are central to this vision,” he said.

He, however, stressed that the programme could only succeed if universities such as KNUST produced research and innovations that addressed the practical needs of industry.

“But factories do not run on policy statements. Industries grow through knowledge, technology, skilled people, patient investment and practical innovation. KNUST must help provide them,” Dr Debrah stated.

He urged the university to ensure research moved beyond academic publications into commercially viable products and solutions capable of improving lives and creating employment opportunities.

Dr Debrah also called for stronger partnerships between academia, industry and government to bridge the gap between research and enterprise, saying collaboration was essential to unlocking Ghana’s economic potential.

He encouraged businesses to support university research through internships, funding and curriculum development while urging KNUST to remain responsive to the needs of industry without compromising academic excellence.

Expressing confidence in the university’s future, Dr Debrah said KNUST had the expertise and institutional capacity to become a leading driver of innovation for the 24-Hour Economy, helping transform research into enterprise, expand industrial productivity and contribute to sustainable national development.

AM

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