Gordon Akon Yamga urges government to invest in open science infrastructure

Dr. Gordon Akon Yamga, a Research Scientist at the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (SARI-CSIR), has called on the Ghanaian government to prioritise investments in open science infrastructure. Speaking during an interview at the CSIR National Scientific Conference, Dr. Yamga highlighted that making research findings more accessible to the public and policymakers is critical for national development. He argued that the current lack of accessibility limits the potential of scientific discovery to solve real-world problems, as many valuable research outputs currently remain underutilised.

The call focuses on the transition from traditional, closed research models to an open science framework that promotes transparency and innovation. According to Dr. Yamga, providing unrestricted access to research methodologies, raw data, and final publications is essential for fostering a culture of collaboration. He pointed out that significant amounts of valuable research conducted within Ghana often remain confined within institutional silos, preventing them from being effectively applied to address pressing societal challenges or to inform evidence-based national policies.

To bridge this gap, Dr. Yamga recommended a dual-pronged investment strategy targeting both physical and digital infrastructure. This includes the development of robust digital repositories and platforms where researchers can share their work openly with the global community. Furthermore, he emphasized that technological tools alone are insufficient; there must be parallel investments in human capital. He urged the government to establish comprehensive training programs to equip scientists and data managers with the technical skills required to operate and maintain these new open science systems effectively.

The push for open science aligns with global trends toward democratising knowledge and increasing the visibility of local research. By enhancing the accessibility of Ghanaian scientific output, Dr. Yamga believes the country can better integrate technical insights into public policy and industrial growth. As the government under President John Mahama continues to focus on national development, the adoption of open science could serve as a vital catalyst for more efficient resource allocation and impactful technological progress across various sectors.