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Africa’s Day for Scientific Renaissance
News Commentary
Today, 30th June, 2010, is Africa’s Day for Scientific Renaissance. The Africa’s Day for Scientific
Renaissance falls every year on 30th June. It is an occasion for AU to reaffirm the virtues of
Scientific research for promoting the economic, Social and cultural development of nations and
peoples, in tandem with fostering peace and a sustainable future.
Here is news commentary on the need for application of Science & Technology for Poverty
eradication and national Development.
By
Bright J. A. Y. Sogbey
Executive Director:- Science & Technology Advocacy Renaissance for Africa (STARFA)
CONTACTS:
Bright J. A. Y. Sogbey: - Executive Director
0277070937 / 0261236889
Prof. (Mrs.) A. B. Andam: - Member, Board of Patrons; STARFA
0245453042
Prof. Samuel Kwofie: - Member, Board of Patrons; STARFA
0275768664
Dr. E. S. D. Afrifa: - Executive Coordinator; International Relations STARFA
0277418893
Africa still struggles in the quest for scientific and technological development for
industrialization and poverty eradication. By the well known adage, it is richer to be taught how
to fish than to be given fish.
The Science & Technology Advocacy Renaissance for Africa (STARFA) is a non-governmental
non-profit making organization with a mission to revolutionize application of science and
technology for national development.
This NGO, therefore, seeks to promote industrial implementation of Science & Technology
Research Findings. That is, moving away from the usual talk shop to an era of implementation
of Science & Technology research findings; for development, poverty eradication, job creation,
reduction in high incidence of diseases or HIV/AIDS menace, and peace restoration to Africa,
since lack of employment can lead to conflicts over few opportunities that exist.
The government and the people of Ghana are thus enjoined to see the World Science Day for
peace and Development as an opportunity to shake off the shackle of poverty and usher in a
new age of Scientific & Technological revolution in our part of the world. This is the only way to
transform the economy of our continent.
The late Prof. Kwesi Andam, the former Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of
Science and Technology, Ghana, in the University’s Science & Technology Magazine edition
2005, established the relationship between ‘Economy, Science & Technology, and Social vices’.
Thus; e-(s+t) =w where e = economy,
s = science,
t= technology,
and w = ‘wahala’ literally meaning ‘trouble’ in Hausa.
This establishes the fact that a nation without adequate support for S&T shall not be without
social vices, as pertaining in African. Proof of how some countries tackle S&T challenges in their
policies.
i. USA: S&T =2.5% of GDP
► US$31469b
ii. Singapore: S&T=1.4 % of GDP ► US $27,565b
iii. Ghana: S&T = 0.03% of GDP ►US $2.6b
The above are the economic policies of the respective counties as at 2005.
Research findings have been gathering dust on the shelves of research institutions in the
developing world, African, for that matter; contributing to breeding of poverty. Since job
creation and innovation are by-products of application of Science and Technology.
It is, however, gratifying to note that the Government of Ghana has reconstituted a Ministry
responsible for Science and Technology; as it is in the case of few African countries such as
South Africa where Science &Technology strive, with its attendant job creation and poverty
eradication.
The Government of Ghana should also be commended for further tackling the S&T challenges
by reviewing her Science &Technology policy. All stakeholders are encouraged to contribute to
this S&T policy, which shall be a working tool for shaping the countries Science &Technology
agenda for national development.
Science and Technology related bills such as the Engineering Bill and others must be passed to
enhance application of Science &Technology in high level of standards and safety. Science &
Technology professionals such as the engineers, scientists or researchers should be rewarded
for their brainstorming activities. Thus, the need for an annual Science &Technology award
scheme like that for the farmers, to encourage research and development as well as to prevent
brain drain that affects the industrial capacity of developing countries like Ghana.
The media, NGOs and other stakeholders in the country’s economic liberation struggle are all
entreated to promote Science &Technology related activities as they do for sporting activities,
for wealth creation, peace and development.
A stitch in time saves nine!
Bright J. A. Y. Sogbey
(Executive Director: - STARFA)