Dr. Apaak touts GH¢100 million Research Fund as catalyst for national development

Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak says the newly launched Ghana National Research Fund will accelerate innovation and position research at the centre of national development.

Delivering a keynote address at the first 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 said the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven economy.

He noted that the Fund would help bridge the gap between academic research and practical solutions to national challenges.

Dr. Apaak described the launch of the Ghana National Research Fund by President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, June 16, as a significant milestone in Ghana’s development agenda.

“Our commitment to research and innovation is not merely rhetorical; it is being backed by deliberate policy action and investment,” he said.

He added that “His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama demonstrated this commitment through the launch of Ghana’s National Research Fund, backed by an initial seed capital of One Hundred Million Ghana Cedis (GH¢100 million).”

The Ghana National Research Fund 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 prioritise producing knowledge locally instead of depending on imported knowledge to drive development.

Dr. Apaak said the Fund would support cutting-edge research, strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, and equip researchers with the resources needed to tackle pressing national and global challenges.

“The future we seek cannot be built on consumption alone; it must be built on knowledge creation, scientific discovery, and innovation,” he stated.

He explained that the initiative presents an opportunity for institutions such as UMaT to expand high-impact research and contribute more directly to infrastructure development, climate resilience, energy transition, digital transformation and industrialisation.

Dr. Apaak further challenged researchers and students to ensure their work delivers tangible benefits to society.

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

He stressed that Ghana’s long-term competitiveness would depend on sustained investment in research, innovation and strong partnerships between government, academia, industry and international collaborators.