President John Mahama has revealed that the Ghana National Research Fund was a long-held vision of the late former President John Evans Atta Mills.
Speaking at the launch of the fund in Accra on Tuesday, June 16, President Mahama said the initiative fulfils a dream Professor Mills championed during his time in office.
According to the President, the establishment of the fund marks an important milestone in Ghana’s efforts to strengthen research, innovation and national development.
“Indeed, the Ghana National Research Fund vision was a central dream of Professor John Evans Atta Mills, and on this day, we acknowledge him and remember him; his dream has come,” President Mahama said.
He noted that the late President recognised the vital role research plays in solving national development challenges and driving progress.
President Mahama said the vision for a national research fund had existed for years. However, he noted that sustainable and predictable funding had remained a challenge.
“So this vision has always been present; what has often been missing is the predictable, sustainable financing architecture needed to support that vision, and that architecture came in Act 1056 of 2020,” he stated.
He expressed satisfaction that the legal framework needed to support the initiative was now in place.
The President also recognised the contribution of the previous administration in bringing the fund into existence.
“We acknowledge the previous administration of Nana Akufo-Addo for piloting it through Parliament, passing and assenting to Act 1056,” he said.
According to him, the achievement demonstrates the importance of continuity in national development policies.
President Mahama further acknowledged Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, as the originator of the broader vision behind investing in research and innovation for national development.
The Ghana National Research Fund is expected to provide sustainable financing for research across key sectors, including education, science, technology and industry.
Government officials believe the initiative will help promote innovation, support evidence-based policymaking and contribute to Ghana’s socio-economic transformation.
