Mahama announces GH¢100 Million seed funding for Ghana National Research Fund
President John Dramani Mahama has announced an immediate allocation of GH¢100 million to support the operational launch of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) in 2026, describing the move as a major step towards strengthening the country’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Speaking at the official launch of the Fund in Accra, the President said the initial investment would serve as catalytic funding to establish a sustainable and credible national research financing framework.
“Accordingly, I am pleased to announce an immediate catalytic allocation of GH¢100 million to support the operational launch of the Ghana National Research Fund for 2026,” Mr. Mahama stated.
He directed the Ministry of Education, working together with the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and the Governing Board of the GNRF, to ensure the transparent, accountable and results-oriented use of the resources.
According to the President, the funding will support a range of strategic initiatives, including competitive national research grants, doctoral and postdoctoral research programmes, digital grants management systems, innovation projects, and priority research programmes aligned with Ghana’s development goals.
“The initial investment of the GH¢100 million will support competitive national research grants, doctoral and postdoctoral research programmes, digital grants management systems, strategic innovation initiatives, and priority research programmes that are aligned with national development objectives,” he said.
Mr. Mahama noted that the allocation demonstrates government’s commitment to building a robust research financing ecosystem capable of driving scientific advancement, technological innovation and national development.
He further assured stakeholders that government would ensure the full and timely implementation of the provisions of the Ghana National Research Fund Act, 2024 (Act 1056) regarding the mobilisation and release of funds for research activities.
The President called on the Ministries of Finance, Education, and Environment, Science and Technology to work together to progressively operationalise the statutory financing framework established under the Act.
“Government will ensure the full and timely implementation of the provisions of Act 1056 on the mobilisation and release of resources for research funding,” he said.
“I therefore request the Ministries of Finance, Education, Environment, Science and Technology to progressively operationalise the statutory financing framework established under the Ghana Research Fund Act, so that the Fund will develop with the scale, continuity and predictability necessary for long-term national impact.”
