Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Opens CSIR Food Fair on 2023 World Food Day

Accra, Ghana – October 12, 2023

In commemoration of “2023 World Food Day,” Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), had the privilege of inaugurating the CSIR Food Fair in Accra today. This event, a pivotal celebration of World Food Day, featured a comprehensive program, including a food fair, with a focus on innovations, safety, and health practices within the food industry.

World Food Day, observed annually on October 16th since 1945, honors the founding day of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It serves as a global platform for raising awareness about hunger, poverty, and food security, with the goal of eradicating these issues from rural nations. The occasion underscores the importance of successful agricultural policies implemented by governments worldwide to ensure food accessibility for all.

Minister Dr. Kwaku Afriyie underscored the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in addressing challenges within the agricultural sector. He highlighted CSIR’s leadership in developing crops resilient to harsh conditions and improving food security, such as disease-resistant cassava and fortified sweet potatoes. The integration of technology, including telecommunications and microfinance, was also emphasized as a vital component in enhancing agriculture.

In his address, Dr. Afriyie acknowledged the hurdles facing agriculture in Ghana and other developing countries, including diseases, limited irrigation, and climate change-induced drought and famine. He emphasized the significance of addressing these issues at the highest governmental level to achieve meaningful advancements in food and nutritional security.

Furthermore, Dr. Afriyie commended the government’s efforts to digitize various aspects of agriculture, enhance post-harvest management, and provide short-term solutions to infrastructural challenges. These measures align with the government’s commitment to promoting development through science, technology, and innovation.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving nutrition, particularly for young children, and fostering self-sufficiency in the agricultural sector. Dr. Afriyie urged the younger generation to embrace a season of service, utilizing their knowledge of artificial intelligence to contribute to the country’s agricultural development.

In conclusion, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie conveyed a message of unity and mutual care, emphasizing that serving one another is a powerful means to progress collectively. He encouraged Ghanaians to embark on a new journey with determination, faith, and discipline to work until their objectives are achieved.

The celebration and fair held on this occasion aimed to reinvigorate the importance of agricultural and industrial research in national development and to promote the right to accessible, healthier, and more affordable food, a shared ideal across humanity.