Ghana’s research fund faces a test of turning funding promises into scientific breakthroughs

Ghana's Acting Administrator of the Ghana National Research Fund, Prof Abigail Opoku-Mensah, emphasized the need for the country to transform its research funding promises into actual scientific breakthroughs. She stressed that merely passing legislation was insufficient to guarantee the financing researchers require to address the nation's economic, environmental, and social challenges.

The Ghana National Research Fund was established in 2020 to reduce Ghana's reliance on foreign grants and strengthen domestic support for research and innovation. Despite contributions from universities and public research institutions, research funding remained fragmented and dependent on external support. Prof Opoku-Mensah noted that Ghana's research and development spending still falls short of the African Union's recommended 1% of gross domestic product.

The Fund aims to prioritize research talent development, industry partnerships, policy support, sustainable financing, and strong governance over the next five years. Two pilot funding calls have already been launched, focusing on artificial intelligence, health, and disruptive technologies. The Ghana National Research Fund Act also emphasizes the promotion of knowledge and technology transfer for the benefit of Ghanaians.

Prof Opoku-Mensah called on journalists to communicate research findings and technological developments in accessible language for the general public, highlighting the importance of science reporting in fostering understanding and adoption of innovations.