Mahama launches GH¢100 million Ghana National Research Fund to drive innovation and development
Accra, Ghana – June 16, 2026
President John Dramani Mahama on Monday launched the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) with seed capital of GH¢100 million, describing it as a bold step to place research, science, and innovation at the center of Ghana’s development agenda.
The Fund, which is expected to grow through government allocations, donor support, and private sector partnerships, will finance competitive research grants for universities, research institutions, and innovators across the country. It will also support doctoral and postdoctoral training programmes to build a new generation of Ghanaian scientists and researchers.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Accra, President Mahama said the GNRF would fund priority national research initiatives and establish a modern digital grants management system to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the disbursement of funds. The digital platform is expected to streamline applications, peer review, and reporting for researchers nationwide.
“The time has come for our research to solve real problems,” President Mahama told an audience of academics, scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders. “I challenge our researchers and scientists to move beyond theory and develop practical, homegrown solutions that create jobs, grow our industries, transform agriculture, and improve the livelihoods of ordinary Ghanaians.”
The President emphasized that Ghana’s development cannot depend solely on imported technology and ideas. He urged the research community to focus on areas with direct impact, including agro-processing, renewable energy, health, water and sanitation, digital technology, and manufacturing.
To sustain momentum, President Mahama directed the Ministries of Education, Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Finance, and other relevant agencies to take immediate steps to increase budgetary support for research and innovation. He also tasked them to strengthen collaborations with international research institutions, development partners, and the private sector to attract additional funding and expertise for Ghana.
“With the GNRF, we are positioning Ghana to compete globally in knowledge production,” the President said. “We must ensure that our scientists, innovators, and students have the resources they need to turn ideas into products, services, and businesses that benefit our people.”
The establishment of the Fund has been welcomed by stakeholders in academia and industry, who say it addresses a long-standing gap in research financing. The GNRF is expected to become a key pillar in achieving Ghana’s science, technology, and innovation goals under the national development agenda.
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