By Patrick Biddah
The government is expected to increase the budgetary allocation for the Ghana National Research Fund from GHC 50 million to GHC 100 million next year.
This boost aims to enable the Governing Council of the Fund to broaden its support for educational research that will ultimately benefit the country’s economy.
“The initial GHC 50 million is to help the Fund acquire offices as a foundation for our operations before receiving the additional GHC 50 million next year,” the Minister for Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, explained on June 4, 2025. He made these remarks during the inauguration of the Ghana National Research Fund’s Governing Council, chaired by Prof. Eric Yirenkyi Danquah.
In Mr. Iddrisu’s view, “productive funded research can help the country move into commercialization of educative materials,” underscoring the importance of turning research outcomes into economic opportunities.
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The Minister, also hinted at an arrangement with the Italian government to fund other aspects of research. Additionally, he urged the Governing Council to consider supporting local universities by providing scholarships for five PhD students.
“As a Member of Parliament for Tamale South, I see comprehensive research as a guiding document for Parliamentarians in their debates, serving as a reliable source of reference on many issues,” Mr. Iddrisu added.
Prof. Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, expressed deep appreciation for the government’s commitment. “In my 30 years as a lecturer at the University of Ghana, I have never seen such a fund established, though there were previous attempts by Ghana’s first president,” he said.
He noted that although the Bill establishing the Fund was passed in 2020, it was only operationalized under the current administration. Prof. Danquah promised, “We will be transparent with the Fund and use it fairly and effectively.”
Aside from inaugurating the Research Fund Governing Council, the Minister also unveiled the Planning Committee for the National TVET Week, chaired by Nana Ama Mensah, and the University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa Planning Committee, chaired by Prof. Goski Alabi.
