The ecosystem partners with Sam Nartey George, the sector minister
Ghana stands on the brink of an innovation breakthrough. With a wealth of research talent and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, the country possesses all the ingredients for technological and economic transformation.
Yet, a critical gap remains—the disconnect between research, innovation, and commercialization. Far too many groundbreaking ideas never make it beyond the lab, failing to reach the market where they can drive real impact.
To address this challenge, a major push is underway to establish a solid legal and policy framework that will unlock Ghana’s innovation potential. Leading this effort 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 commercialization.
As part of this effort, leadership from Heritors Labs, along with officials from the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), the Ghana Innovation and Research Commercialisation Centre (GIRC Centre), and 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, Samuel Nartey George.
Discussions focused on outlining a strategic roadmap for advancing the draft bill, emphasizing its critical role in shaping Ghana’s innovation landscape.
“The bill must be finalized and presented to Parliament by July 2025 before the legislative recess,” the minister stated.
“We must activate the bill process by May 2025 to ensure timely progress,” he added.
The 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 requires refinement and stakeholder input before submission.
According to 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 is not just about passing a law—it is about creating a lasting framework that fuels innovation, attracts investment, and drives sustainable economic growth.
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 recognizes the strategic importance of this bill in positioning Ghana as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.”
The role of Heritors Labs as a key enabler in this process was also acknowledged, with a senior government official noting, “Heritors Labs, in partnership with The RISA Fund and FCDO, has been instrumental in aligning international best practices with Ghana’s unique innovation ecosystem.”
Kofi Ocloo, Vice President of Heritors Labs, stated, “The comprehensive report presented sheds light on the current innovation landscape in Ghana. By highlighting the 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—one 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.