UG Pro-VC calls for stronger research funding to curb brain drain

Professor Gordon Akanzuwine Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Ghana, has urged for increased and consistent funding in scientific research. He highlighted that insufficient funding and weak research systems are causing a brain drain, hindering Africa's potential to conduct advanced scientific research.

Awandare made this appeal during the UGMC Research Symposium on September 29, 2026, with the theme "From Bench to Bedside: Integrating Research, Technology, and Clinical Care in Ghana." He emphasized that African governments should demonstrate commitment to science through tangible budget allocations rather than mere promises. Awandare pointed out the disconnect between the rhetoric on science and the actual budgetary support provided.

He attributed the loss of skilled professionals to inadequate investment in research, which deprives Africa of valuable human resources. Weak research ecosystems and low remuneration for scientists were among the contributing factors. He stressed that basic research, which requires expensive equipment, is particularly costly, and that such research often lacks the political visibility associated with more visible infrastructure projects like roads and hospitals.

Awandare advocated for changes in the funding of externally supported research, proposing that African scientists should have greater control over research agendas and funding. He urged a shift towards African-led discovery research, with funds directed directly to African scientists inspired by African ideas. He criticized arrangements where foreign universities receive grants while African institutions merely collect samples or data for projects with non-African leadership.

Awandare cited international initiatives like the African Centres of Excellence, DELTAS Africa, and H3Africa, which have contributed to enhancing research capacity on the continent. These programs have facilitated the establishment of sequencing facilities, bioinformatics expertise, and high-performance computing, while enabling African researchers to collaborate with international scientists.

The symposium, organized by the Medical and Scientific Research Centre, aimed to integrate education, research, innovation, and clinical care within a unified academic medical center, capitalizing on synergies between researchers, clinicians, and patients.