Ghana should invest in microchip technology

Kumasi, Sept 8, GNA - Government has been urged to work together with Microchip Manufacturing Firms towards the aggressive promotion of large-scale investment in microchip technology.

Mr Art George, Senior Vice-President of Texas Instruments Incorporated, manufacturers of microchip electronic products, said such an investment could significantly generate employment and wealth for the people.

Microchips, he said, had become the most essential inputs for the electronics technology and storage of important data to engender national growth.

Mr George was giving a public lecture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) as part of activities marking its 60th anniversary celebration.

His topic was,Developing Microchip Technology in Ghana to change lives."

He said the emergence of China and India among the world's major industrial countries came through years of consistent research and investment in the development of innovative ideas.

From humble beginnings, the two, by dint of commitment and determination had worked tirelessly to bridge the technological gap that existed between them and other industrialized nations.

Mr George called on the government to play a decisive role in financing research activities, particularly in the area of microchip engineering to create a competitive advantage for the nation.

Professor William Otoo Ellis, Vice-Chancellor of the KNUST, reiterated the need for stakeholders to take seriously science and technology education to enhance Ghana's pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

He said they would not relent in their efforts at fostering technology transfer by linking up with research institutions and technocrats across the world.