Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has underscored the importance of scientific research and innovation in driving economic development.

Addressing students and faculty members at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) on July 30, 2026, Asiedu Nketiah described research as a critical pillar for national transformation.

“No nation has become economically successful without investing significantly in scientific research and innovation,” he said at the second edition of the Science Fair organised by the School of Sciences at UENR.

The Science Fair was held under the theme: “Advancing Graduate Education for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Research Excellence and Global Impact.”

According to Asiedu Nketiah, countries such as South Korea, Singapore, China and Finland transformed their economies through sustained investments in education, science, technology and innovation.

“Ghana possesses equally capable and brilliant minds. What we require is sustained investment, visionary leadership, stronger partnerships and an enabling environment that allows innovation to flourish,” he said.

He noted that scientific evidence must guide policymaking and shape Ghana’s development agenda.

“National policies and programmes concerning agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, environmental protection and industrialisation should increasingly be informed by credible scientific research produced by our universities and other research institutions,” he stated.

The NDC National Chairman urged students of the School of Sciences to ensure that their research contributes meaningfully to national development.

“Your research should not merely satisfy academic requirements but should contribute meaningfully to solving national and global challenges,” he said.

He encouraged graduate students to focus their research on areas such as food security and sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and environmental conservation, healthcare innovations, renewable energy solutions, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, water and sanitation, manufacturing, industrial development, entrepreneurship and job creation.

Asiedu Nketiah said these areas are critical for using scientific research to transform communities and improve sustainable livelihoods.

He also stressed the need for innovation and entrepreneurship to become integral parts of graduate education, arguing that universities must produce not only job seekers but also innovators capable of creating employment opportunities.

“Universities should not only produce graduates seeking employment but also innovators capable of creating employment. The laboratories of our universities should become breeding grounds for startups, patents, commercial products and technological solutions,” he added.

He called for stronger collaboration between government, industry, financial institutions and academia to support the commercialisation of scientific discoveries.

“Countries such as South Korea, Singapore, China and Finland transformed their economies by investing heavily in education, science, technology and innovation. Ghana possesses equally capable and brilliant minds. What we require is sustained investment, visionary leadership, stronger partnerships and an enabling environment that allows innovation to flourish,” he said.

Asiedu Nketiah further urged policymakers to rely on scientific evidence when designing national programmes, adding that research should be used to address challenges in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure and industrialisation.

He encouraged graduate students to view their degrees as a responsibility and use their knowledge to solve societal problems.

“Be curious, be innovative and be resilient. Do not be afraid to challenge conventional thinking,” he urged.

He commended faculty members and supervisors for mentoring the next generation of scientists and researchers, while encouraging industry players to deepen partnerships with universities through research funding, internships, innovation hubs and commercialisation initiatives.

Asiedu Nketiah concluded that science must serve humanity by reducing poverty, improving healthcare, protecting the environment, strengthening food security and creating sustainable jobs.

“The future belongs to nations that embrace knowledge, innovation and research,” he said.