Brain Drain Hitting Science Agencies, Scientists Need Better Conditions Of Service - Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings

Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has bemoaned the brain drain affecting agencies under the Ministry.

Appearing before Parliament's Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, 2026, for vetting, she said the high attrition rate is not limited to her sector but is a national crisis affecting scientists.

"To start with, the attrition rate that we see is not just within the agencies of the Ministry. I think we are having a serious brain drain and for me I believe that we need to look at how we improve conditions of service of our scientists," Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings stated.

According to her, if approved as Minister, her priority will be improving the welfare of scientists and resourcing their agencies to conduct meaningful research.

"We also need to make sure that we are resourcing the various agencies and the directorates and units they belong to so that they have the necessary equipment and the financial support to engage in research," she said.

The Korle Klottey MP said the solution must be collaborative.

"But I believe that this is not something that I can do alone. What I would have to do is engage the scientists who remain to actually find out exactly what their issues are in order for us to arrive at a solution that is a win-win for Ghana and for the scientists," she added.