Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has positioned African talent as central to the global frontier of quantum science and technology, emphasizing Ghana’s emerging role in advancing applied scientific research on the continent.
He delivered the remarks at the opening of the Global Closing Ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025) in Accra, a two-day event convening leading scientists, research institutions, and development partners to chart the future of quantum innovation.
Minister Iddrisu underscored that science, knowledge, and innovation are critical levers for sustainable development, noting that quantum tools are already enhancing Ghanaian agriculture through advanced soil and water monitoring, as well as more accurate climate forecasting, interventions that strengthen national food security and resource management.
The IYQ2025 Closing Ceremony, hosted in partnership with UNESCO and the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, showcased a series of keynote addresses, expert panel discussions, and youth-focused sessions aimed at sustaining momentum in quantum science beyond the formal conclusion of the International Year. Delegates explored emerging applications of quantum technologies, strategies for international research collaboration, and pathways to expand Africa’s participation in the global quantum ecosystem.
In Ghana, quantum science is transitioning from theoretical exploration to practical application. Precision agriculture has benefited from quantum-enhanced sensing technologies, enabling farmers to monitor soil conditions and optimize irrigation with unprecedented granularity. These innovations have translated into higher yields, reduced resource wastage, and more resilient farming systems, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate variability.
Beyond agriculture, quantum computing and sensing are being leveraged to improve climate modelling, environmental monitoring, and predictive analytics. Ghanaian research institutions are deploying quantum-enabled tools to generate high-resolution forecasts, enhancing disaster preparedness and informing policy decisions for climate adaptation. This integration of advanced science into national development priorities exemplifies how quantum technologies can serve as instruments of sustainable growth.
Minister Iddrisu also highlighted the critical importance of developing Africa’s quantum research capacity through investment in education, infrastructure, and cross-border scientific partnerships. By fostering a new generation of African quantum scientists, Ghana aims not only to contribute to global research but also to shape the international agenda in emerging technologies, ensuring that the continent participates as a creator, rather than merely a consumer, of scientific innovation.
Related Posts
