The Founding Director of the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Ghana, Professor Gordon Awandare, has emphasised that research must become a central pillar in driving Ghana’s national development agenda.
His call comes on the sidelines of the 2025 WACCBIP Research Conference, held from July 23 to July 25, under the theme “Evolving African Science from Capacity Building to Discovery and Impact.”
In an exclusive interview with Radio Univers, Professor Awandare stressed the vital role research plays in shaping policies and offering governments timely data and insights for effective, evidence-based decision-making.
“Research is a sine qua non for any progressive society today,” he noted. “African governments must move beyond relying on foreign donors—who may have their own interests—to dictate the research agenda. National development must be led by local expertise.”
He criticized the current model where African governments invest heavily in sending students abroad for education while neglecting underfunded local universities. “We spend millions on foreign scholarships, yet our public universities—who receive government subvention—are under-resourced. Worse still, less than half of those beneficiaries return to contribute to national development.”
According to Professor Awandare, the solution lies in establishing well-functioning National Research Funds managed by competent professionals. These funds, he said, would empower local universities to conduct high-impact research that addresses urgent national challenges and reduces dependency on external solutions.
He also called on African governments to incentivize private-sector participation in research financing. “We can’t keep waiting to be spoon-fed by development partners. The private sector is ready to match government commitments—what we need is leadership and structure.”
Highlighting recent developments in Ghana, Professor Awandare commended ongoing efforts to establish a National Research Fund, which has long been advocated for by academics and civil society organizations. He urged the government to ensure the fund is implemented effectively and kept free of political interference.
“The fund must be managed by seasoned professionals, not politicians. That is the only way it will deliver long-term impact.”
The WACCBIP conference brings together researchers, policymakers, students, and development partners from around the globe to engage on how scientific advancements can shape better policy outcomes in Africa amidst an increasingly competitive global landscape.
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Story by Sika Togoh|univers.ug.edu.gh
