President John Dramani Mahama has announced the release of GH¢100 million to support the operational rollout of the Ghana National Research Fund as it begins full implementation in 2026.
The funding is intended to strengthen the initial activities of the Fund, which is expected to play a central role in linking academic research to commercial application and national development priorities.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, June 16, at the official launch of the Fund in Accra.
The Ghana National Research Fund, formally established under the Ghana National Research Fund Act, 2020 (Act 1056), is designed to provide sustainable financing for research, innovation, and technology development across key sectors including science, agriculture, health, technology, the social sciences, and the humanities.
Speaking at the launch, President Mahama emphasized the importance of building national capacity for research and innovation, noting that Africa’s development depends on scientific independence.
He stated that “Across Africa, there is a great recognition that true economic sovereignty cannot be achieved without scientific sovereignty.”
He further stressed the need for Ghana to position itself among countries driving their own technological and scientific progress, adding that “Ghana must be one of those nations.”
According to him, the African Union’s target of allocating at least 1 percent of GDP to research and development should not be seen merely as a fiscal commitment, but as a strategic investment in competitiveness, productivity, and long-term sovereignty.
The Fund is expected to support researchers and institutions to translate ideas into practical solutions that address national challenges and stimulate economic growth.
