Dr. Apaak challenges researchers to create solutions that transform lives

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has challenged researchers to prioritise practical solutions that improve lives and accelerate national development.

Speaking at the inaugural University of Mines and Technology (UMaT)/Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Sustainability Science and Infrastructure Development in Tarkwa, Dr. Apaak urged scholars, students and industry leaders to ensure research directly addresses national and global challenges.

He said scientific discoveries should move beyond academic publications and generate tangible benefits for communities, industries and the broader economy.

Addressing participants, Dr. Apaak issued a direct appeal to the research community to focus on impact-driven work.

“Let your research solve problems. Let your innovations improve lives. Let your discoveries strengthen communities. Let your knowledge create opportunities,” he said.

The Deputy Minister stressed that the true measure of research lies in its ability to transform societies and strengthen economies.

“The true value of research is not measured solely by publications or citations. It is measured by its ability to transform lives, strengthen economies, protect the environment, and advance human progress,” he stated.

Dr. Apaak said Ghana’s ambition to become a resilient and competitive economy would depend on sustained investments in science, innovation and knowledge creation.

He cited the recent launch of the Ghana National Research Fund by President John Dramani Mahama as evidence of government’s commitment to supporting research and innovation.

The Ghana National Research Fund, launched on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, with an initial GH¢100 million seed capital, is an active statutory body designed to establish a sustainable, locally owned financing ecosystem that bridges the historical gap between academic research and commercial industrial production.

President Mahama has also urged the country to aspire to produce knowledge locally rather than depend on imported knowledge to drive development.

Dr. Apaak said universities have a broader responsibility that extends beyond teaching and must become centres of innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement.

“Universities have a responsibility that extends beyond teaching. They must serve as centres of innovation, research excellence, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement. They must become engines of national development,” he said.

He further called for stronger partnerships among governments, universities, researchers and industry players, saying collective action would be essential to solving challenges such as climate change, energy insecurity, infrastructure deficits and rapid urbanisation.

Dr. Apaak expressed confidence that collaborations emerging from the conference would produce practical solutions that benefit both Ghana and the global community.