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.