Science and technology gap-cause of south�s economic gap � Prof Allotey

Emeritus Professor Francis Kofi Ampenyi Allotey, a renowned Mathematician and Physicist, has stated countries in the southern hemisphere are not economically advanced because of the science and technology gap. He stressed the widening gap in economics and influence between the nations of the South and the North was essentially a manifestation of the science and technology gap. Prof. Allotey, President of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, made these remarks in Sunyani during the inauguration of the Mathematical Sciences Students Association (MaSSA) of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR). It was on the theme engineering the Future with Mathematics. He explained, nothing else such as differing cultural values, religious perception or thoughts and differing systems of economics and governance that could explain why the north could master global affairs and beyond but advancement in science and technology. Prof. Allotey, also President of the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences, therefore emphasized that both pure science and technology were very necessary for national development. The internationally-acclaimed Mathematical Scientist, explained while science helps to advance the frontiers of knowledge, technology assists to advance the frontier of economic wealth. Prof. Mrs Esi Awuah, Vice-Chancellor of the University, who presided pointed out that no nation could develop without Mathematics, because mathematicians are needed in every sphere of life. Prof. Mrs Awuah therefore commended Prof. Kaku Sagary Nokoe, Dean of Graduate School and Head, Department of Mathematics and Statistics of UENR for engineering the formation of the Association. Mr Mordecai Opoku Agyemang, President of the Association, in a welcoming address, stated that their objectives among others is to initiate and participate fully, wherever possible in all appropriate programmes relating to their field of study, through both local and international internships.