Ghana stands on the brink of an innovation breakthrough. With a wealth of research talent and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, the country has all the ingredients for technological and economic transformation.
Yet, a critical gap remains—the disconnect between research, innovation and commercialisation. Far too many groundbreaking ideas never make it beyond the lab, failing to reach the markets where they can drive real impact.
To change this, a major push is underway to establish a solid legal and policy regulatory framework that will unlock Ghana’s innovation potential. Leading this charge is Heritors Labs in collaboration with The RISA Fund, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and key industry and government stakeholders.
The collective goal is to facilitate the finalization of the long-awaited Ghana Innovation and Startups Bill—a landmark policy designed to empower innovators, attract investment, and drive research and innovation commercialisation.
In furtherance of this, leadership of Heritors Labs, along with officials from the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), the Ghana Innovation and Research Commercialisation Centre (GIRC Centre), and the consultants from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) working on the draft Ghana Innovation and Startups Bill, paid a courtesy call on the minister of communication, digital technology and innovations, Mr. Sam Nartey George.
Discussions were centered on outlining a strategic roadmap for advancing the draft bill, emphasising its critical role in shaping Ghana’s innovation landscape.
“The bill must be finalised and presented to Parliament by July 2025 before the legislative recess,” the minister said.
He added: “We must activate the bill process by May 2025 to ensure timely progress.” The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity, stressing that “a wider public engagement process will be initiated before Cabinet submission to garner comprehensive stakeholder buy-in.”
Currently, the bill exists as a “zero draft”—a foundational version that needs refinement and stakeholder input before submission.
According to Mr. Christopher Lartey, Head of the Ghana Innovation and Research Commercialisation (GIRC), the draft will be shared in phases, undergoing a rigorous three-step validation process at the committee, zonal, and national levels.
This meticulous approach ensures that the bill aligns with the needs and aspirations of researchers, innovators, startups, industry leaders, and government policymakers. It’s not just about passing a law—it’s about creating a lasting framework that will fuel innovation, attract investment, and drive sustainable economic growth.
Mr. Nashiru Salifu, Deputy Director of Science and Technology at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering support, stating, “MEST recognises the strategic importance of this bill in positioning Ghana as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.”
The recognition of Heritors Labs’ role as a key enabler in this process was also evident as a senior government official noted: “Heritors Labs, in partnership with The RISA Fund and FCDO, has been instrumental in aligning international best practices with Ghana’s unique innovation ecosystem.”
Mr. Kofi Ocloo, Vice President of Heritors Labs, stated, “The comprehensive report presented sheds light on the current innovation landscape in Ghana. By highlighting these challenges and opportunities faced by startups and innovators within the Ghanaian innovation economy, Heritors Labs has gathered critical data that provides a solid foundation for the draft bill that genuinely addresses the needs of Ghana’s innovation ecosystem.”
“Through collaborative efforts with policymakers, industry leaders, and technical experts, Heritors Labs continues to shape a policy landscape that fosters a conducive environment for startups, researchers, and investors alike,” he added.
Heritors Labs, with the support of FCDO and the RISA Fund, has pledged to continue providing funding until the Innovation and Startups Bill is passed in Parliament, helping to drive the successful implementation of the bill. Other key government officials and technical experts at the meeting included
Present at the meeting were: Mr. Alexander Arphul, Chief Director of the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology & Innovations (MOCDTI); Barbara Barnes, Director of Research, Statistics, and Information Management (RSIM) at MOCDTI.
The team from Heritors Labs were represented by Kofi Ocloo—Vice President, Emmanuel Amartey—General Manager, and Barbara Aidoo–Programme Engagement Lead. Others were consultants Roland Asare, Mavis Akuffobea-Essilfie, Gordon Akon-Yamga, and Wilhemina Quaye, who are leading the drafting process of the bill.
