Accra: Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Dr Julius Debrah, emphasized the essential role of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in supporting the government's 24-Hour Economy programme through research and skilled manpower. Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the investiture of Professor Christian Agyare as the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the university, Dr Debrah highlighted the university's potential to provide the necessary knowledge and innovation for driving Ghana's industrial transformation.
According to Ghana Web, Dr Debrah noted that while Ghana has experienced encouraging economic growth, the sustainability of this development hinges on job creation, manufacturing expansion, and strengthening the productive sectors of the economy. He underscored the centrality of science, technology, and innovation to the government's vision of increasing productivity under the 24-Hour Economy initiative.
Dr Debrah outlined the Government's 24-Hour Economy Programme as a strategy aimed at enhancing productive capacity, supporting continuous industrial activity, and creating quality employment opportunities on a large scale. He identified key sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and digital technology as integral to this vision.
However, Dr Debrah stressed that the success of the programme is contingent upon universities like KNUST producing research and innovations that address the practical needs of industry. He emphasized that industries thrive on knowledge, technology, skilled personnel, patient investment, and practical innovation, and that KNUST must play a pivotal role in providing these elements.
He urged the university to ensure that its research extends beyond academic publications to generate commercially viable products and solutions capable of improving lives and creating employment opportunities. Furthermore, Dr Debrah called for stronger partnerships between academia, industry, and government to bridge the gap between research and enterprise, asserting that collaboration is crucial for unlocking Ghana's economic potential.
Dr Debrah encouraged businesses to support university research through internships, funding, and curriculum development, while also urging KNUST to remain responsive to the needs of industry without compromising academic excellence. Expressing confidence in the university's future, he stated that KNUST possesses the expertise and institutional capacity to become a leading driver of innovation for the 24-Hour Economy, contributing to the transformation of research into enterprise, the expansion of industrial productivity, and sustainable national development.