Ghana strengthens research ecosystem with launch of National Research Fund

The Administrator of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF), Abigail Opoku Mensah, has outlined the significant progress made by the institution since the inauguration of its Governing Board, describing the official launch of the Fund as a major milestone in Ghana's efforts to place research, innovation, and knowledge generation at the centre of national development.

Speaking at the official launch of the Ghana National Research Fund in Accra on June 16, 2026, Abigail Opoku Mensah said the establishment of the Fund signals Ghana's commitment to financing scientific research and innovation in a structured, accountable, and sustainable manner.

She noted that the Fund, established under the Ghana National Research Fund Act, 2020 (Act 1056), is expected to serve as a credible national platform for supporting research across key sectors of the economy.

“Today, Ghana publicly affirms that the financing of discovery, the strengthening of scientific capability, and the structured support of innovation are essential pillars of our national development architecture,” she stated.

According to her, management's priority since the inauguration of the Governing Board in June 2025 has been to transform the Fund from a statutory entity into a fully operational institution capable of driving the country's research agenda.

“That is, to move the Ghana National Research Fund from a statutory establishment to a functional institution ready to serve as the backbone of our country’s research agenda,” she said.

Opoku Mensah revealed that several foundational measures have already been implemented to strengthen the institution's governance and operational capacity.

She said technical and strategic committees have been established to enhance oversight and institutional discipline, while a functional secretariat has been set up to coordinate the Fund's day-to-day operations.

She also noted that the Fund has secured office facilities at East Legon in Accra and developed a Research and Innovation Strategy for the period 2026–2030 to guide its activities and priorities.

The Administrator further highlighted strategic partnerships forged over the past year with international development and research institutions.

According to her, collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through UNESCO has supported the development of the Fund's five-year strategic plan, a draft legislative instrument, and opportunities for capacity building and knowledge exchange.

“Through this strategic collaboration, the GNRF has successfully developed, among other things, the GNRF Five-Year Strategic Plan, a draft legislative instrument, and opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity building,” she stated.

She added that the Fund has also developed a dedicated website and a grant management system to ensure transparency, accountability, and competitiveness in the administration of research grants.

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Opoku Mensah announced that the Fund has already launched its first pilot research grant call in partnership with Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC), focusing on disruptive technologies that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“We are pleased to inform all of you that the GNRF has successfully launched its first pilot call with the International Development Research Centre of Canada for researchers in Ghana,” she said.

She expressed appreciation to development partners, including the IDRC, FCDO, the National Research Foundation of South Africa, and GETFund, for supporting the establishment and institutional development of the Fund.

According to her, lessons from international research funding institutions are helping shape a uniquely Ghanaian model that aligns with global best practices while responding to national development needs.

“We have drawn from these lessons carefully, not to replicate them blindly, but to inform the design of a unique grant institution grounded in our national context while aligning with credible global standards,” she noted.

Opoku Mensah reaffirmed the Fund's commitment to supporting innovation, advancing knowledge creation, and strengthening Ghana's long-term development agenda through research-driven solutions.

“We are committed to helping ensure that the Ghana National Research Fund becomes a trusted national instrument for advancing knowledge, strengthening innovation, and supporting Ghana’s long-term development,” she added.

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