The Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Professor Paul P. Bosu, has advised Ghanaians to adopt better food preservation habits to curb food wastage in the country.
He explained that too much food that could be preserved for future use was often discarded at the household and community levels.
He described the situation as disturbing, especially in a country that continues to struggle with food insecurity in parts of its population.
“Many of us throw everything away food from our homes, our backyards, and even leftovers from events.
We must all learn to preserve what we have. Food is a fundamental human right, as essential as our right to life and health,” he stated.
Food fair
Prof. Bosu gave the advise at the opening of the 2025 Food Fair in Accra on the theme: "Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.”
It showcase a suite of cutting-edge food technologies and sustainable innovations that aligned with Ghana's agricultural policy priorities.
The three-day event brought together policymakers, industry players, researchers and students to explore scientific solutions for food security and agribusiness development.
He emphasised that while science and technology had made it possible to extend the shelf life of food through improved preservation and storage methods, the country’s biggest challenge remains poor attitudes toward waste.
Prof. Bosu said the CSIR and its various research institutes were developing scientific technologies to promote food preservation from “the soil to the sea,” adding that embracing these innovations would help reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food security.
Gap
The Director of CSIR-Food Research Institute (FRI), Dr Charles Tortoe, reaffirmed the institute's commitment to bridging the gap between research and commercialisation.
He said his outfit’s focus was directly aligned with Feed Ghana Programme and the National Agribusiness Policy, both launched in 2025 under President John Dramani Mahama's administration.
"Our objective is to translate scientific findings into practical innovations that support national industrialisation.
"Our focus commodities: rice, maize, soybeans, vegetables, and livestock, feed directly into the national agenda," he added.
Govt commitment
Representing the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, commended CSIR-FRI for its contributions to national development.
He reaffirmed government's commitment to food security, noting key interventions such as the Feed Ghana Programme, the Palm Oil Industry Policy, and the Nkoko Nketekete Poultry Industry Revitalisation Programme.
These policies, he said aims to modernise agriculture, reduce food import bills, and create sustainable jobs.
“We are positioning Ghana as a key player in the global palm oil market while strengthening domestic poultry production,” he added.