The Chairman of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF), Professor Eric Danquah, has stressed the need for sustained investment in research, linking Ghana’s heavy dependence on food imports to inadequate funding for local scientific work.
He noted that Ghana spends about US$3 billion annually on food imports, resources which could be redirected to strengthen domestic production through innovation and research, particularly in the agricultural sector. According to him, adequately resourced indigenous research would enhance productivity, create jobs and significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imports.
Professor Danquah expressed concern that research financing in Ghana has largely depended on donor support, a situation he described as unsustainable. He explained that donor-driven funding often prioritises external interests, which may not always align with Ghana’s national development needs.
He made these remarks at a stakeholder engagement with development partners, including GIZ, the Mastercard Foundation, the British Council and DAAD-Ghana. The meeting aimed to align donor support with Ghana’s research priorities and promote long-term sustainability in the research ecosystem.
The GNRF Chair commended President John Dramani Mahama for operationalising the Fund following the inauguration of a 13-member Governing Board, describing the move as a major milestone towards building a sustainable, Ghana-led research framework. Government has also announced GH₵50 million in seed funding to support high-impact research in science, technology, agriculture and innovation.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening research and innovation, pledging continued support for the GNRF as a key driver of national development.
Acting GNRF Administrator, Professor Abigail Opoku Mensah, noted that countries which invest consistently in research record stronger economic growth. She added that research provides evidence-based solutions and helps avert future development challenges.
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