Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has indicated that prevailing economic pressures prevent the government from allocating 0.5 per cent of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF), as recommended by the Fund’s governing board.
Addressing participants at a stakeholder consultation convened by the GNRF, the Minister explained that the country’s current fiscal situation, coupled with the constraints of Ghana’s ongoing programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), makes such a level of funding unattainable at this time.
Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged the critical role of research, innovation, and knowledge creation in driving national progress but stressed that tying the Fund’s financing directly to a fixed share of GDP is not feasible under the present economic climate.
Previously, the GNRF Board, led by its Chairperson Professor Yirenkyi Danquah, had argued that committing 0.5 per cent of GDP would enable the Fund to function optimally and significantly enhance its contribution to Ghana’s development agenda.
Notwithstanding the financial limitations, the Education Minister reassured stakeholders of government’s continued support for research and academic advancement. He affirmed that funding for the GNRF would remain a priority through annual allocations from the Common Fund, aimed at bolstering the country’s research infrastructure and capacity.
