CSIR-CRI DIRECTOR URGES GOVERNMENT TO OPERATIONALIZE NATIONAL RESEARCH FUND
The Director of the CSIR-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI), Prof. Maxwell Darko Asante, has urged the Government of Ghana to expedite the implementation of the National Research Fund.
Speaking at his induction ceremony on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the Institute, Prof. Asante expressed concern over the delayed execution of the National Research Fund Act 1056, warning that it could hinder Ghana’s ability to compete globally in scientific and technological advancements.
“The establishment of the National Research Fund was a crucial step forward, but without full implementation, it remains a missed opportunity
Passed by Parliament in 2020, the National Research Fund Act 1056 was designed to provide sustainable financial support for research activities in universities and research institutions. The Fund aims to promote scientific, technological, and social research that drives national development, addressing the persistent funding challenges faced by researchers.
Despite its passage, many researchers continue to face funding shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and challenges in securing grants. Prof. Asante has therefore called on the Government to fast-track the activation of the Fund to ensure transparency and accessibility.
“The Government must prioritize research funding as a national imperative. The knowledge economy is driven by scientific discoveries, and Ghana cannot afford to lag behind,” he emphasized.
The operationalization of the National Research Fund is expected to close the research funding gap.
In addition, the newly appointed Director urged the Government to commission CSIR and universities regularly to address challenges related to agricultural policies they roll out. “As the leading institution for crop research and development in Ghana, CSIR-CRI is well-positioned to provide technological innovations that address agricultural challenges and contribute to mitigating global issues such as climate change,” he noted.
Prof. Asante also highlighted the urgent need for stakeholder engagement to address Ghana’s annual $2 billion import bill, which is largely spent on rice, tomatoes, sugar, and poultry. He stressed that redirecting this expenditure into local agricultural development and research could significantly enhance food security and economic resilience.
Outlining his vision, Prof. Asante reaffirmed his commitment to positioning CSIR-CRI as a premier center of excellence in African agricultural research. He called for increased investment in research and development from multilateral and bilateral donors, as well as the private sector. Additionally, he pledged to strengthen collaborations with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), universities, industry players, and farmers to tackle agricultural challenges in Ghana and beyond.
The Director-General of CSIR, Prof. Paul Pinnock Bosu, encouraged the new Director to explore innovative strategies to enhance the Institute’s internally generated funds (IGF), acknowledging recent financial constraints. He also called on management and staff to support Prof. Asante in his leadership role
Story by: Bernard Sakyiamah, Enoch Bobie Agyemang, Dennis Gyasi Boakye
