Vice President Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Research at CSIR Meeting

Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed government’s strong commitment to scientific research and innovation, describing the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as a critical driver of Ghana’s development agenda.

The Vice President made the remarks during a meeting with the leadership of CSIR, led by its Director-General, Prof. Paul Pinnock Bosu. She noted that CSIR remains Ghana’s foremost research institution, established under the leadership of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and anchored by thirteen specialised institutes across the country.

During the engagement, the CSIR team expressed appreciation to government for its continued support, particularly the operationalisation of the Ghana Research Fund. They also welcomed the recent opportunity to participate in World Food Programme engagements, which they said had enhanced their international exposure and partnerships. However, the leadership raised concerns about staffing levels and infrastructure challenges affecting the institution’s operations.

Vice President Opoku-Agyemang praised CSIR for its transformative work across key sectors, including agriculture, food security, health, industry and climate resilience. She stressed that Ghana possesses the knowledge and expertise needed to address its most pressing national challenges and encouraged CSIR researchers to engage more boldly with government.

She further urged the institution to make its work more visible through exhibitions, public engagement and stronger policy support, noting that research must be practical and responsive to real societal needs.

“We need research that answers real problems, and CSIR is well placed to lead that effort,” the Vice President stated, adding that government looks forward to deeper collaboration with CSIR in pursuing solutions that put Ghana first.

The meeting underscored government’s resolve to strengthen the link between research, policy and national development, with CSIR expected to play a central role in driving innovation-led growth.