Ghana Young Academy Calls for Support for Emerging Researchers

Accra, Ghana – In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ghana Young Academy (GhYA) welcomed the operationalization of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) as a pivotal development for the country’s scientific landscape. The Academy, however, cautioned that without targeted support for early- and mid-career researchers, the Fund’s potential to transform Ghana’s research ecosystem may remain unrealized.

The GNRF, established under Act 1056 of 2020, aims to provide sustainable financing for research and innovation across all sectors. Speaking at a press conference in Accra, GhYA Co-Chair Ing. Dr. Latifatu Mohammed emphasized that the Fund represents a critical opportunity to address long-standing gaps in research financing that have hindered scientific advancement and innovation in Ghana.

“Investing in the immense potential and talent of Ghana’s early- and mid-career researchers is an investment in the nation’s future prosperity, resilience and global competitiveness,” Dr. Mohammed stated. “The Ghana National Research Fund presents a unique opportunity to accelerate research and innovation while supporting national priorities in areas such as health, agriculture, energy, climate change, education and industrial development.”

Highlighting the challenges faced by emerging researchers, the Academy noted that despite their critical role in generating new knowledge, developing solutions, and training future scientists, these researchers often encounter significant barriers in accessing competitive grants, mentorship opportunities, and adequate research infrastructure. Many struggle to secure funding for pilot studies, lack access to well-equipped laboratories, and face limited opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

To ensure the GNRF effectively supports the next generation of scientific leaders, the GhYA called for the establishment of dedicated funding windows tailored to the specific needs of early- and mid-career researchers. These include:

• Early-career investigator grants designed to support independent research programs for scholars within the first five years of their academic careers
• Mid-career research leadership awards to enable established researchers to expand their research programs, mentor junior colleagues, and lead ambitious interdisciplinary projects
• Targeted funding for interdisciplinary collaborations that bring together experts from different fields to tackle complex national challenges
• Grants for research infrastructure and laboratory access, particularly for institutions outside major urban centers
• Support for innovation and technology transfer activities that bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application
• Resources for scientific publication and dissemination to ensure Ghanaian research reaches global audiences
• Funding for science-policy and community engagement initiatives that facilitate the translation of research findings into actionable policies and community-based solutions

The Academy further stressed that equitable access to these opportunities must be a cornerstone of the Fund’s operations. It urged the GNRF’s Governing Board to implement transparent, merit-based, and inclusive funding mechanisms that actively promote participation from researchers across all types of institutions, academic disciplines, geographical regions, and gender groups. Special attention should be given to supporting researchers from under-resourced institutions and those working on locally relevant but often overlooked research topics.

In closing, the GhYA reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Fund, government agencies, academia, industry, and development partners to maximize the impact of research investments. The Academy pledged to provide expert advice, facilitate collaborations, and advocate for policies that strengthen Ghana’s research and innovation ecosystem.

As Ghana continues its pursuit of a knowledge-based economy, the success of the GNRF will hinge on its ability to nurture and support the next generation of researchers. By directing resources toward early- and mid-career talent, the Fund can help cultivate a vibrant, diverse, and resilient scientific community capable of driving sustainable development and positioning Ghana as a leader in African research and innovation.

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