President John Dramani Mahama has conveyed his belief that, with adequate financial resources, researchers can devise effective solutions to the challenges facing the nation.
He made this statement during the launch of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF).
The President urged the Ministry of Education, in partnership with the GETFund and the Finance Governing Board, to guarantee the transparent, accountable, and resource-focused allocation of these funds.
While addressing an audience that included scientists, researchers, institutional leaders, and academic stakeholders, President Mahama emphasized that the launch signifies a pivotal moment in Ghana’s quest to evolve into a knowledge-driven, innovation-oriented, and globally competitive economy.
“This establishes a national framework for financing knowledge creation, enhancing scientific capabilities, and aligning research more closely with our national development priorities,” the President remarked.
He further stated, “Today, Ghana asserts that research can no longer be regarded as a marginal activity. It must transform into one of the key drivers of our economic growth, social advancement, and national competitiveness. We require research that addresses issues, generates employment, fosters industries, and enhances lives.”
Referencing the visionary leadership of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, President Mahama pointed out that the history of Ghana’s rapid development and industrialization efforts following independence was supported by a structured system aimed at cultivating human capital capable of producing indigenous technologies.
“His vision was straightforward yet profound. Ghana should not only consume knowledge but also generate knowledge that is relevant to our local context,” he remarked, clarifying that this same ideology influenced the late President John Evans Atta Mills’ educational policies.
“Indeed, the vision for the Ghana National Research Fund was a central aspiration of the late Professor. On this occasion, we honor and remember him, as his vision has ultimately come to fruition,” he concluded.
