President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday launched the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) with an initial capital injection of GH¢100 million, describing research and innovation as essential tools for economic transformation.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Accra, the President urged scientists and researchers to focus on practical solutions capable of addressing Ghana’s development challenges.
“We need research that solves problems, creates jobs, builds industries and improves lives,” President Mahama said.
He said the seed money represented “immediate catalytic support” and would finance competitive national research grants, doctoral and postdoctoral programmes, digital grant management systems and strategic projects aligned with the government’s development priorities.
The President stressed that investment in science should produce measurable benefits for ordinary Ghanaians, businesses and farmers.
He singled out agricultural problems including cocoa swollen shoot disease, fall armyworm infestations, boll weevil attacks and post-harvest losses, noting that research institutions must direct their efforts towards solving such persistent challenges.
For decades, academics and scientists have called for the establishment of a dedicated funding mechanism to support innovation and scientific research.
Professor Eric Danquah, founding director of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement, had earlier welcomed the President’s decision to personally launch the fund, describing it as a sign that research and innovation had become a national priority.
The establishment of the GNRF is expected to strengthen collaboration among universities, industry and government while helping Ghana reduce dependence on externally funded research.
Analysts believe the initiative could also help retain highly skilled researchers who often seek opportunities abroad because of inadequate funding and limited infrastructure.
The launch forms part of broader efforts by the Mahama administration to position science, technology and innovation at the centre of national development.
