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Nana Aba Appiah Amfo calls for operationalizing the Ghana National Research Fund
•2 min read•1 source
Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, has called for the expedited operationalization of the Ghana National Research Fund. Speaking at a roundtable organized by the Ghana Students Association at Johns Hopkins University, Professor Amfo highlighted the progress made in establishing a legislative framework for research financing in Ghana while emphasizing the urgent need to make these resources accessible to the academic community.
A central focus of the Vice-Chancellor’s address was the Ghana National Research Fund, which was established under Act 1056 in 2020. She described the legislation as a significant milestone in the country’s academic history, intended to provide a stable funding base for scientific inquiry and innovation. However, she noted that the full potential of the fund remains untapped until it is fully operationalized, a step she considers critical for supporting graduate research and broader national development goals.
Beyond national policy, Professor Amfo detailed internal measures taken by the University of Ghana to bridge the funding gap. This includes the creation of a Graduate Research Fund specifically designed to support postgraduate students in their scholarly pursuits. She also highlighted the importance of collaboration with international partners and urged Ghanaian scholars in the diaspora to maintain active networks with local institutions. By fostering these connections, she argued, the Ghanaian academic community can better leverage global expertise and resources.
In her closing remarks, Professor Amfo advocated for greater participation in research at the undergraduate level to build a strong foundation for future scholars. The roundtable served as a platform for various stakeholders to discuss leadership and innovation, reinforcing the idea that sustainable research financing is essential for Ghana’s competitive standing in the global knowledge economy. The event underscored the shared responsibility between the government, academic institutions, and the diaspora in advancing Ghana's research agenda.
