President John Dramani Mahama has announced that his government will increase funding for Ghana’s research institutions with $156 million, especially in the fields of agriculture, health, and genetic medicine, as part of efforts to promote innovation and tackle critical national challenges.
Speaking at the High-Level Forum on Africa’s Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE) Programme in Accra on April 7, 2025, President Mahama said the move comes in response to concerns about the long-term viability of key research projects following the withdrawal of some international funding sources.
He highlighted the important work of institutions such as 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) at the University of Ghana.
He said these centres are playing vital roles in addressing both national and regional issues in food security, disease research, and the management of genetic disorders like sickle cell disease.
“Ghana has been privileged to host some of the most impactful Centres of Excellence under the ACE Programme,” President Mahama said..
In response to the recent withdrawal of $156 million in funding from WACCBIP by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), President Mahama said that the government had stepped in to cover the shortfall.
“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. I am pleased to report that the Ministry of Finance has fully provided for the $156 million to ensure that this critical research continues uninterrupted,” he said.
The President underscored the need for Ghana to reduce its reliance on foreign aid and instead prioritise domestic investment in research and development.
While acknowledging the value of donor support, he emphasised that national innovation must be sustainably funded and aligned with local needs.
“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.
President Mahama further called for collaboration between universities, government agencies, and the private sector to translate research into practical solutions.
