Channel Ghana National Research Fund into solution-driven research – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has challenged researchers and academic institutions to focus on solving real-life problems facing the country.

He stressed that government support for research must translate into tangible benefits for Ghanaians.

President Mahama releases GH¢100m for Ghana National Research Fund

Speaking at the launch of the Ghana National Research Fund in Accra on Tuesday, June 16 2026, the President said the initiative is designed to support innovation and research that can drive economic growth, create jobs and inform national policy.

He stressed that the fund should not become a platform for producing academic work with little relevance to the country's development needs.

“The objective is not only to produce more research. The objective is to produce research that solves problems, that informs policy, that creates jobs, that strengthens industries and improves the lives of Ghanaians. That is what the fund is about,” he stated.

To demonstrate the government’s commitment to the initiative, Mahama announced an initial allocation of GH¢100 million as seed funding for the research fund.

According to him, the investment forms part of a broader strategy to promote innovation, industrialisation and evidence-based decision-making across various sectors of the economy.

The President expressed optimism that the fund would help close the long-standing gap between research institutions and industry by supporting practical solutions to national challenges.

The Ghana National Research Fund is expected to provide financial support for research projects that align with Ghana’s development priorities while encouraging collaboration between academia, government and the private sector.

NA/VPO