Tamale: Professor Abdul-Rauf Ibrahim, a Chemical Engineering Lecturer at Tamale Technical University, has called on the government to move beyond policy rhetoric and make deliberate investments in science infrastructure to secure Ghana's future development. He emphasized that although successive governments have acknowledged the importance of science and mathematics education, inadequate laboratories, equipment, and research facilities continue to undermine effective science education and innovation in the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Ibrahim made the call during an interview on the sidelines of the 2026 Africa Science Week celebration held in Tamale. The week-long celebration, themed 'Harnessing Science and Innovation for Africa's Sustainable Future,' is organized by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Network in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. It is being attended by students from selected second cycle and tertiary institutions, educators, and stakeholders in the education sector.
The initiative, running from May 14 to May 30, seeks to promote science engagement and innovation through various activities such as science expos, coding workshops, robotics demonstrations, Women in STEM forums, and academic exchanges. Professor Ibrahim highlighted that many policymakers responsible for shaping the laws guiding science education often lack science backgrounds, creating challenges for technical institutions.
Using Tamale Technical University as a case study, Professor Ibrahim explained that programs developed by technical universities are frequently assessed by traditional universities, whose mandates differ significantly. He noted, "A lot of the time, what we see as important, they don't see it as important, and eventually, you have to adjust to what they want."
He underscored the urgent need for funding support, stating that many researchers and lecturers in Ghana are unable to undertake impactful studies due to inadequate funding and the absence of modern laboratories. Many academics are limited to conducting 'desktop or survival research' because they lack the infrastructure needed to compete for international grants.
Professor Ibrahim called for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to promote innovation and practical research outcomes. He emphasized that industries should be directly linked to educational institutions to enable researchers to solve practical industrial challenges while the government supports universities with resources and opportunities.
Addressing science education at the pre-tertiary and tertiary levels, Professor Ibrahim noted that Ghana has developed sound policies and curriculum frameworks, especially with the introduction of Competency-Based Training. However, implementation remains weak due to poor infrastructure. He explained that competency-based learning requires students to work with real equipment and laboratories, yet many schools lack such facilities.
He concluded by urging the government to invest in modern laboratories, complete abandoned infrastructure projects, and enter bilateral agreements to help equip institutions with the necessary technology.