Role of higher education and science, technology and innovation in capacity development in Ghana

Abstract

Ghana has shown keen interest in promoting Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), and Higher Education (HE). However, the STI and HE systems do not seem to be adequately focused on Ghana’s socio-economic needs. Furthermore, existing STI and HE policies and programmes do not appear to be motivating enough to drive investments and technological upgrading. Consequently, many of the country’s important STI institutions are unable to effectively carry out their mandates. The study was undertaken to examine the role of STI and HE policies in capacity development in Ghana. The desk study showed that there has been a lot of investment in setting up STI and HE institutions which have yielded some positive outcomes especially in the country’s recent research output. Progress on Ghana’s capacity for STI looks encouraging, given that Ghana’s overall Africa Capacity Index is Medium primarily because of a narrow financing base. The country also currently has a comprehensive STI policy draft to work with up to 2024. However, there is the need for Ghana to put in place workable monitoring and evaluation strategies on STI and HE policies and programmes. This will enhance the impact of STI and HE on the economy of the country