Invest more in science or risk losing top researchers – UG Pro-VC

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Ghana (UG), Professor Gordon Akanzuwine Awandare, has called for stronger and sustained investment in science and research to help address brain drain and improve Africa’s capacity for scientific innovation.

According to him, inadequate funding, weak research systems and poor remuneration for scientists are making it difficult for African countries to retain skilled researchers and undertake cutting-edge research.

Professor Awandare made the call on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the UGMC Research Symposium, held under the theme, “From Bench to Bedside: Integrating Research, Technology, and Clinical Care in Ghana.”

He said governments must demonstrate their commitment to science through their budgets rather than political speeches.

“Even though our leaders talked a lot about science and research, we should always look at the budgets they put out. See how much they actually put into science and research. The talk does not match the budget,” he said.

Professor Awandare explained that basic research requires expensive equipment and infrastructure, making it difficult for institutions in Africa to compete globally.

“Basic research is expensive. The equipment you need for basic research is expensive,” he said.

He cited drug discovery and genomics as areas that require significant investment in specialised equipment.

“If you want to do drug discovery work, you need an NMR machine, you need a mass spec, you need genome sequencing equipment,” he said.

He said such investments often receive less attention because they do not offer the immediate visibility associated with projects such as roads and hospitals.

“Have you ever seen a politician say that, ‘I bought a sequencing machine for UGMC, so vote for me?’ No, they don’t campaign on those things, so no wonder they are not in the budget,” he said.

Professor Awandare also called for a shift in how research funding is provided, arguing that African scientists should have greater control over research agendas and resources.

“There needed to be a shifting paradigm where funds were given directly to African scientists, inspired by African ideas, and led by African scientists,” he said.

He noted that initiatives such as the World Bank’s African Centres of Excellence programme, DELTAS Africa and H3Africa had helped strengthen research capacity, infrastructure and scientific collaboration on the continent.

Professor Awandare further said the academic medical centre model at UGMC provides an opportunity to bring education, research, innovation and clinical care together.

“And this is because it’s a place where we can optimise our resources. We combine education, research and innovation in one place. We don’t have the luxury of separating those three components,” he said.

The symposium was organised by the Medical and Scientific Research Centre (MSRC) through the Research Training and Development Unit and the Office of External Engagement, with sponsorship from Lancet Laboratories Ghana Limited.

NA/MA

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