{
  "id": 8193379,
  "title": "Ghana must turn research into practical solutions for development – Chief of Staff",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/ghana-must-turn-research-into-practical-solutions-for-development",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-18T06:32:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghana Business News",
    "slug": "ghana-business-news",
    "url": "https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2026/09/18/ghana-must-turn-research-into-practical-solutions-for-development-chief-of-staff/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr Julius Debrah, Ghana's Chief of Staff, has emphasized the necessity for enhanced collaboration between universities, research bodies, industry professionals, and policymakers to transform Ghana's research outcomes into practical solutions for national development. Debrah noted that while the nation possesses a wealth of innovative ideas, the primary challenge lies in effectively converting these ideas into tangible products, services, businesses, and evidence-based public policies.\n\nDelivering a speech at the second edition of the Applied Research Conference of Accra Technical University (ARCATU), Debrah underscored the relevance of the conference's theme, \"Applied Research and Innovation for Sustainable and Resilient Development in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).\" The conference, which brought together diverse stakeholders, aimed to address Ghana's developmental challenges through research and innovation in the context of rapid technological advancements, climate issues, population growth, and mounting pressure on public services.\n\nDebrah highlighted the crucial role of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing these challenges, stressing that its adoption should align with national priorities and be guided by responsible practices. He stressed that AI's adoption should be evaluated based on its ability to create value and enhance citizens' lives rather than solely on its usage.\n\nThe Chief of Staff stressed the importance of fair, transparent, and data-protective AI systems that reflect Ghana's unique languages, culture, and local realities. He highlighted the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy as a crucial framework for guiding skills development, infrastructure expansion, research, innovation, data governance, and the responsible use of AI.\n\nDebrah called for stronger partnerships among academia, industry, and government from the early stages of research, advocating for joint research initiatives, practical training opportunities, access to facilities, and support for innovative ideas. In a separate speech, Sam George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, reiterated the government's commitment to leveraging research and development (R&D) as a key driver of Ghana's digital transformation agenda. With the aim to move AI beyond policy discussions to practical implementation over the next decade, George emphasized that embracing AI and leveraging its potential would lead to significant changes in Ghana's systems and educational sector.",
  "summary": "Dr Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, has called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, industry and policymakers to ensure that research conducted in Ghana is translated into practical solutions for national development. The post Ghana must turn research into practical solutions for development – Chief of Staff appeared first on Ghana Business News .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}