'Science is not abstract' - Dr Zanetor urges new approach to inspire young people

Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for greater efforts to make science more exciting and relatable to young people.

She said science should not be presented as an abstract field but rather as a practical discipline capable of providing solutions to everyday challenges and contributing to national development.

Speaking during a working visit to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Accra on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said there was a need to change the way science and scientific research are communicated to the public.

“I think maybe we just need to add a little bit more excitement to the science and let people understand that it's actually something that's not abstract,” she said.

According to her, greater public awareness of the practical applications of science could encourage more young people to pursue careers in the field and help them appreciate the broad opportunities available beyond traditional perceptions of science.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the government was also interested in strengthening the connection between CSIR, industry and the public to ensure that research conducted by Ghanaian scientists translates into tangible products and services.

Dr Zanetor outlines strategy to bridge gap between research and commercialisation

She said the ministry would work with CSIR to showcase some of its innovations, including food products and other research outputs, at the Ministry’s premises and through its communication platforms.

She further challenged scientists and researchers to move beyond developing ideas and pilot projects and focus on commercialising their innovations so that the private sector and the wider public could benefit from them.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said Ghana had significant scientific and technological expertise within CSIR and other institutions and should make better use of local research instead of relying unnecessarily on imported technologies.

“We have what it takes to commercialise homegrown research and compete across the continent,” she stressed.

She also said stronger collaboration among government, industry and the scientific community could help address national challenges such as land remediation, water purification, agriculture and infrastructure development.

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