The Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG) has welcomed the official launch of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF), describing it as a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to build a knowledge-driven and innovation-led economy.
The Fund, established under the Ghana National Research Fund Act, 2020 (Act 1056), is expected to strengthen Ghana’s research ecosystem and enhance the country’s global competitiveness through sustained investment in innovation, evidence-based policy and intellectual development.
This was contained in a statement was signed by the National President of GRASAG, Richard Class-Peters.
In a statement, GRASAG said the launch of the Fund represents more than a ceremonial achievement, but rather a strong national commitment to investing in ideas and solutions capable of addressing Ghana’s development challenges.
The Association commended the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Education and all stakeholders involved in operationalising the Fund.
It also acknowledged the leadership of the Governing Board Chairperson, Prof. Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, and the Acting Administrator, Prof. Abigail Opoku Mensah, for their roles in shaping the direction and credibility of the institution.
GRASAG emphasised that graduate students remain central to Ghana’s research and innovation ecosystem, noting that they play a key role in designing studies, collecting data, analysing findings and generating solutions to national problems across universities and research institutions.
The Association therefore called for the creation of accessible, transparent and equitable funding opportunities for graduate researchers.
It urged the Fund to support thesis and dissertation work, field research, laboratory access, publication costs and innovation-driven studies that address national priorities.
GRASAG further expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Ghana National Research Fund, government, academia, industry and development partners to ensure the Fund delivers meaningful impact for researchers and the broader society.
It stressed that the successful implementation of the Fund should usher in a new era where research informs policy, innovation drives industry and graduate students are fully empowered to contribute to national transformation.
“Investing in graduate research is investing in Ghana’s future,” the statement concluded.
