The Government of Ghana officially launched the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) yesterday at the Labadi Beach Hotel, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s research, innovation and knowledge-driven development agenda.
The event was graced by several high-profile dignitaries, including the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, who served as the Guest of Honour and officially launched the Fund. Other distinguished guests in attendance included Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education; Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts of Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture; Clement Apaak Abas, Deputy Minister for Education; Christian Rogg, British High Commissioner to Ghana; and Edmond Moukala, Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO in Ghana, alongside members of the diplomatic corps, academia, development partners, researchers, innovators and captains of industry.
Representing the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) was the AGI Vice President for SMEs, Mr. Dela Gadzanku, who joined stakeholders from government, industry and academia to witness the historic launch.
In his keynote address, President Mahama reaffirmed government’s commitment to positioning research and innovation at the centre of Ghana’s economic transformation. He announced an initial allocation of GHS 100 million to support the operationalisation of the Fund in 2026, describing the GNRF as a critical instrument for advancing industrialisation, agricultural transformation, healthcare innovation, digitalisation and sustainable economic growth.
The President emphasized that Ghana must move beyond consuming knowledge to producing solutions tailored to local challenges, while encouraging stronger collaboration between research institutions, industry and government to translate research outcomes into practical and commercial applications.
The Ghana National Research Fund, established under Act 1056 of 2020, is expected to provide a sustainable framework for financing research, fostering innovation and supporting national development priorities. Through competitive grants, strategic partnerships and targeted investments, the Fund aims to strengthen Ghana’s scientific capacity and drive solutions that improve productivity, create jobs and enhance the country’s global competitiveness.
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