President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized that academic research in Ghana must go beyond the classroom and directly address the pressing challenges faced by local communities.
Speaking at the High-Level Forum on Africa’s Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE) Programme in Accra on April 7, 2025, Mr. Mahama underscored the need for innovation to align with national development priorities, particularly in agriculture, health, and genetic medicine.
“Our innovation in these centres must have tangible impacts on the communities we serve. We must ensure that academic work aligns with national development priorities,” he said. Mr. Mahama stressed that research should be focused on solving real-world issues that affect the everyday lives of Ghanaians, including food security, health challenges, and genetic disorders.
He mentioned the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), and the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC), all based at the University of Ghana. These institutions, he noted, have made significant contributions to tackling local and regional problems. WACCI’s efforts in improving food production, WACCBIP’s work on infectious diseases, and WAGMC’s pioneering research on genetic disorders like sickle cell disease, are key to Ghana’s future.
However, Mr. Mahama highlighted the challenges these centres face due to the reduction in international funding. He specifically referenced the recent withdrawal of $156 million in funding from WACCBIP by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In response, he assured that the government would bridge the funding gap.
“I personally assured the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana that we would make up for the loss of USAID funding from our own budget,” he said. “I am pleased to report that the Ministry of Finance has fully provided for the $156 million that was pulled out, ensuring these critical research projects continue.”
The President called for a shift in how Ghana funds its research institutions. While he acknowledged the importance of donor support, he emphasized the need for greater self-reliance. “We must reduce our dependence on foreign aid to sustain these research institutions,” Mr. Mahama said, adding that the government must take on more responsibility for funding innovation in critical sectors that directly impact the lives of Ghanaians.
Moreover, Mr. Mahama advocated for stronger partnerships between universities, industries, and government agencies. These collaborations, he argued, would help make research outcomes more applicable to real-world challenges.
