Business News of 2026-09-24
Move research from labs into market – Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings charges CSIR
The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has urged research institutions across the country to transform scientific innovations into commercially viable products to bridge the gap between academia and the Ghanaian public.
Speaking during a working visit to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Accra on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, the Minister highlighted the need for a stronger national strategy to showcase indigenous scientific achievements and encourage local industry uptake.
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The visit formed part of the Minister’s ongoing familiarisation tour across agencies under her ministry to assess ongoing research projects and strengthen government-industry collaboration.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings noted that a significant disconnect currently exists between public scientific research and everyday citizens, making it difficult for the private sector to leverage local breakthroughs.
She also announced plans to use the Ministry’s headquarters as a permanent platform to showcase locally developed innovations, including packaged cereal products, processed honey and technology pilots.
“There’s a disconnect between research and academia and the public. And because of that disconnect, sometimes it’s difficult for us to help the private sector tap into what you’re doing,” Dr Agyeman-Rawlings stated.
“So what we want to do is use the ministry as a platform to showcase what you have done, what you’re doing, what you want to do,” she added.
She added that demystifying scientific research and making it accessible to the average Ghanaian was key to unlocking economic value and inspiring young people to pursue STEM careers.
“When you’re speaking to a patient about anything and you use huge words, scientific words, you lose the patient right away. When you’re able to break down the big words... if we can break it down to the level of the average person’s understanding, they can relate to it better and understand the critical role that you play as a development entity,” she explained.
Addressing the leadership and scientists at CSIR, the Minister also called for increased focus on national environmental priorities, such as land remediation and the restoration of polluted water bodies.
However, she pointed out that commercialising research outputs provides the most sustainable path towards improving working conditions for researchers.
“I really like in both your speeches what you’re talking about with regards to trying to retain our scientists,” she said.
“If you can commercialise what you do and we can make a case for you retaining more of what you get, you can decide on how to improve your conditions. So it’s a collaborative effort,” she added.
The Minister reassured staff of her commitment to backing their work while charging them to present practical solutions alongside any operational challenges they bring forward.
“I’m all about bringing your challenges and proposing solutions because I cannot solve everything. I’m here to give direction as the political head. However, I’m relying on you to supply that information,” she stressed.
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