“Ghana’s Blue Economy Potential: Minister Emphasizes Need for Accurate Data and Research”

Story by Fada Amakye from Daily Sun online

Ghana’s Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has emphasized the importance of accurate data and research in unlocking the country’s blue economy potential. This comes on the heels of a profound statement made by Mo Ibrahim, a renowned expert in governance and development, on the need for reliable data to attract investments to the blue economy space in Africa.

Mo Ibrahim highlighted that most rating agencies in Africa are located in only two countries, South Africa and Egypt, which can lead to inaccurate reports and discourage investments in other countries, including Ghana. He stressed that investors rely heavily on reports generated by these agencies, and without accurate data, investments are unlikely to materialize.

Dr. Muhammed has echoed Mo Ibrahim’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for effective research to generate accurate data and reports. He noted that Ghana faces significant challenges in implementing research outputs and commercializing innovations, despite ranking among the top 10 countries in Africa in scientific research output. The minister has called for enhanced communication between ministries and agencies to curb duplication of efforts and missed opportunities for collaboration.

The Ghanaian government has expressed its commitment to strengthening research and development to place scientific research at the center of socio-economic development. Dr. Muhammed has emphasized the importance of science-driven solutions and innovation in combating land degradation and building climate resilience. The government has also launched initiatives such as the Ghana Innovation and Research Commercialization Centre and the Ghana Innovation Agency to support innovative research and commercialization.

The blue economy has the potential to drive economic growth and development in Ghana, but accurate data and research are essential to unlocking this potential.

By investing in research and development, Ghana can generate reliable data and reports that will attract investments and promote sustainable development. Dr. Muhammed’s emphasis on the need for effective research and accurate data is a step in the right direction towards achieving this goal.