Toward a national innovation strategy: A critique of Ghana's science, technology and innovation policy

Abstract

The science-centric nature of Ghana's Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) framework could be expected but the fact that it places innovation only in the realm of science and technology (S & T) means that Ghana needs a broader national innovation policy or strategy. This should be a strategy that embraces a wider conception of innovation and as such include solutions that are not necessarily science-based. These non-science innovations could prove to be equally crucial to national development as the S&T-based ones. In a situation where a lot of commitments (financial and beyond) must be sacrificed to strengthen the structural foundation for science and tech innovations, it is important that non-science innovations and their pursuit are promoted. The rewards could be massive as can be seen in the examples of the National Friday Wear and Chocolate Day programmes instituted by the Ghanaian government.