By Emelia B. Addae
Accra, Oct. 17, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has urged the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to translate its research findings into commercially viable innovations to drive industrialisation, create jobs and improve livelihoods.
He said science, technology and innovation must be at the centre of Ghana’s economic transformation, enabling the country to develop its own technologies, process raw materials into higher-value products and strengthen local industries.
The President made the call in a speech read on his behalf by Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, at the opening of the three-day CSIR Innovation Fair 2026 in Accra on Friday.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings officially opened the fair by cutting the tape at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra.
Held under the theme, “From Research to Market: The Role of CSIR in Driving Innovation for National Development,” the fair sought to connect researchers, innovators, start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry players and investors.
Also included were development partners, policymakers, students and the public to showcase innovations, exchange knowledge and explore commercialisation opportunities.
The fair, which runs from October 16 to 18, has brought together the CSIR’s 13 research institutes from across the country to exhibit their products, technologies and services.
President Mahama said the CSIR had, over decades, built a strong foundation of scientific knowledge and expertise through research in agriculture, food processing, biotechnology, forestry, water resources, construction, renewable energy and environmental management.
He, however, stressed the need to translate that knowledge into greater economic and social benefits for the country.
The President noted that research and innovation were critical to the success of the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, which seeks to expand production, improve productivity, strengthen value chains and create employment.
He urged the CSIR to deepen collaboration with industry, the 24-Hour Economy Authority, financial institutions and private investors to identify sectors where research could accelerate production, industrialisation and export growth.
He also encouraged businesses to draw on the expertise of local research institutions to improve production processes, enhance product quality and adopt appropriate technologies.
President Mahama called on the CSIR to strengthen its engagement with SMEs, start-ups, manufacturers and investors to bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and commercial application.
He observed that promising innovations often remained at the prototype or research stage because of limited financing, inadequate testing, certification requirements, weak industry linkages and insufficient support for technology transfer.
Commercialisation, he said, required a shared commitment, with scientists providing technical expertise, businesses identifying market opportunities, investors providing appropriate financing and the Government creating an enabling policy environment.
He further urged financial institutions and development partners to support promising innovations with clear pathways to adoption and commercial success.
The President called on the CSIR Governing Council, management and staff to pursue their mandate with renewed commitment, stronger partnerships and a clear focus on results.
Professor Paul Pinnock Bosu, Director-General of the CSIR, said the fair’s theme highlighted the importance of translating research into practical solutions that improved people’s daily lives.
He said research underpinned everything from the production of healthy and nutritious food to the development of sophisticated equipment, making innovation essential to national progress.
Professor Bosu said the fair provided an opportunity to promote the transition of research into marketable products and services while highlighting the importance of food security.
He noted that the event coincided with the celebration of World Food Day, being observed under the theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.”
He said Ghana needed to strengthen the transition from knowledge to application, research to innovation, and innovation to enterprise to accelerate national development.
“Moving our innovations from the laboratory to the market requires the collective efforts of scientists, engineers, manufacturers, investors, policymakers, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and end-users,” he said.
Professor Bosu stressed the need to make research outputs, innovative products and services accessible to the public.
He said the future of the CSIR should be defined not only by the quality of its research but also by its relevance to Ghana’s development needs.
He expressed the hope that the fair would strengthen collective commitment to making science and innovation central to Ghana’s economic transformation and sustainable development.
GNA
Edited by D. I. Laary/Kenneth Odeng Adade