The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has paid a familiarization visit to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Electrical and Electronic Waste Management Fund (E-Waste Secretariat).
The visit was aimed at acquainting herself with the operations, achievements, and challenges of the two institutions under her ministry, and to explore ways of strengthening their mandates in line with government’s development agenda
At the CSIR, the Minister was briefed by management on the Council’s research activities, innovations, commercialization efforts and its critical role in driving national development through science, technology and innovation.
She also engaged staff on key concerns, including infrastructure deficits, funding constraints, and the urgent need to retain scientists.
Addressing staff and management, Hon. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings commended CSIR for its contributions to national development and stressed the need for effective communication of its work to the public.
“I think it also creates a platform for the media to share the story of CSIR and continue to do so, so the public actually understands what you do and why you’re here,” she said.
On staff welfare and retention, the Minister said improving conditions of service would require a broader and collaborative approach, including commercialization of research outputs.
“I really like, in both your speeches, what you’re talking about with regards to trying to retain our scientists. I think conditions of service are something that we need to look at, but we have to look at it with the bigger picture. You can commercialize what you do and we can make a case where you’re retaining more of what you get,” she noted.
She assured staff of her commitment to work closely with the Council to build a strong scientific workforce.
“This is just supposed to be the intro, but I’m looking forward to engaging more with you so we can understand what we can do better, what we can do differently, so that we can let you stay and have more young scientists join the bandwagon, so that we can really build an army of scientists who can transform this country,” she stated.
According to her, this vision aligns with that of His Excellency the President, adding, “I am committed, one hundred percent committed, to working with you to make this happen.”
The Minister further underscored the values of hard work, dedication and patriotism, which she said were instilled in her by her parents.
“For me, it’s about the importance of hard work. My parents, you know how they worked, laziness was not permitted. Hard work is something I understand, dedication to country is something I understand and I believe we’re all here because we share those values. So let’s work together,” she said.
She encouraged staff to be open about challenges confronting the institution but to also propose solutions.
“Where you have issues, let’s not be shy or concerned about being vocal about where there are issues. The only way we can build a strong team is to be able to communicate when we have difficulties, when we have challenges. But when you do have a challenge, please include a solution,” she advised.
“I am here to give direction as the political head, however I’m relying on you to supply that information,” she added.
At the Electrical and Electronic Waste Management Fund Secretariat, the Minister was briefed on the Fund’s operations, revenue mobilization, and ongoing efforts to ensure environmentally sound management of electrical and electronic waste in the country.
The visit forms part of Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings’ ongoing familiarization tour of agencies and institutions under the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.
