President John Dramani Mahama has approved the disbursement of GH¢100 million to kick-start the operations of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) in 2026, reaffirming his administration's commitment to research, innovation and technological advancement.

Speaking at the official inauguration of the Fund in Accra on Tuesday, June 16, the President said the allocation would provide the financial foundation needed to support research activities and accelerate the translation of academic discoveries into practical solutions for national development.

He noted that one of the key objectives of the Fund is to close the gap between research outcomes and commercial application by enabling innovations developed in laboratories and academic institutions to be transformed into viable products and services.

Established under the Ghana National Research Fund Act, 2020 (Act 1056), the GNRF is designed to provide sustainable funding for research, innovation and technology development across a broad range of disciplines, including science, agriculture, health, engineering, social sciences and the humanities.

Addressing the gathering, President Mahama emphasized the strategic role of research in achieving long-term economic independence and national resilience.

He argued that countries that depend heavily on imported technologies, expertise and solutions remain vulnerable to external shocks and are limited in their ability to drive sustainable development.

According to him, the growing global knowledge economy demands that nations invest in their own scientific capabilities and develop home-grown solutions to address local and global challenges.

The President further highlighted the African Union's recommendation that member states commit at least one percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to research and development, describing the target as a critical investment in innovation, productivity and economic competitiveness rather than merely a budgetary obligation.

He stressed that Ghana must position itself among nations that generate knowledge, develop technologies and create innovative solutions capable of driving economic transformation and strengthening national sovereignty.

The launch of the Fund is expected to expand support for researchers, universities and innovation-focused institutions while promoting collaboration between academia, industry and government to address the country's developmental priorities.