Government commits GH¢50m seed capital to boost university research – Dr. Apaak 

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, Saturday reaffirmed plans to operationalise the National Research Fund with an initial GH¢50 million in renewed efforts to prioritize university research.

Addressing the 4th Congregation of the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) in Bamahu-Wa, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Deputy Education Minister said the fund remains central to strengthening scholarly work across the country’s tertiary institutions.

He described the initiative as a direct response to the need for stronger evidence-based policymaking.

“The National Research Fund, which was created in 2015 and later backed by law in 2017, seeks to strengthen the nation’s research institutions and enhance evidence-based policymaking,” he said.

Dr. Apaak linked the renewed momentum behind the fund to President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to creating a sustained resource base for research.

He noted that research capacity was inseparable from national development and stressed that the government was prepared to ensure universities had the tools to undertake meaningful inquiry.

“Government has committed itself to creating a sustained resource base to support research in our universities,” he added.

Dr. Apaak also celebrated the institution’s growth, pointing to its expanding student population, academic diversity and research impact.

He congratulated the graduating class, urging them to transform their skills into practical contributions.

“The graduates this university is churning out are not only employable but are capable of creating employment for others,” he said.

Beyond research, he highlighted government interventions designed to ease access to tertiary education, especially for first-year students. He underscored the popularity of the no-fee stress policy, which covers admission fees for all Level 100 students entering public universities.

“Government is mindful of the difficulties most students go through in obtaining money to enroll in universities,” he said, explaining that the policy also extends to persons with disabilities admitted to public tertiary institutions.

According to the Deputy Minister, these initiatives demonstrate the government’s continued commitment to improving university education, strengthening inclusivity, and ensuring that the country’s human capital development keeps pace with national priorities.

“These are but a few initiatives that showthe  government’s commitment to university education,” he stated.

Dr. Apaak encouraged the new graduates to apply their knowledge wherever they find themselves and contribute to national progress through innovation and initiative.