Goosie Tanoh calls for stronger research-market linkages to boost jobs

Augustus Goosie Obuadum Tanoh, the Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, has emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between scientific research and market sectors to stimulate local production, fortify domestic value chains, and generate employment opportunities. He advocated for Ghanaian researchers to actively engage with industry stakeholders and end users right from the outset of the innovation process to ensure that their creations address genuine production requirements.

At the inauguration of the CSIR Scientific Conference and Innovation Fair 2026, Tanoh pinpointed potential domains for advancement, such as tomato cultivation, aquaculture, food processing, local industrial machinery, solar energy, biogas, and research into medicinal plants. He stressed that transforming research into economic and social benefits necessitates investment in pilot projects, testing, certification, licensing, and the securing of intellectual property rights.

The government has allocated a seed capital of GH¢100 million for the National Research Fund in 2026, but sustained funding, skill enhancement, and partnerships are essential to convert research into tangible economic and societal gains. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, emphasized the criticality of bolstering connections among research institutions, the government, and industry to convert scientific discoveries into functional solutions for enduring development.

She underscored the necessity for closer collaborations between scientists and marketing and commercialization teams to identify partners, secure investments, and develop products tailored to market demands. Dr. Rawlings highlighted the role of science and technology in tackling environmental issues, pointing out the potential of plant-based materials like cassava and hemp as alternatives to traditional plastics.

She stressed that innovations must be safe and appropriate for Ghana's unique circumstances. Dr. Rawlings expressed the hope that the conference would yield evidence-based suggestions, identify research suitable for validation and implementation, and establish mechanisms to monitor its effects. Prof. Paul Pinnock Bosu, the Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), advocated for the unification of the CSIR's 13 research institutes into a cohesive system rather than functioning as isolated entities.

He highlighted the expertise each institute has cultivated in areas such as crop improvement, livestock production, genetic resources, soil mapping, food safety, food processing, forestry, renewable energy, water management, materials science, and sanitation. Prof. Bosu emphasized the significance of transferring research findings and technologies to farmers, enterprises, public entities, and communities.

He called for active partnerships with industry and end users from the initial stages of research to guarantee that technologies cater to practical needs. Prof. Bosu stressed the importance of establishing clear routes for technology adoption and a coordinated platform enabling businesses and other potential users to locate and access CSIR innovations.

He stressed the need to monitor research outcomes and enhance follow-up after the conference to ensure that discussions culminate in practical benefits.