Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, has called on the government to establish a dedicated National Research Fund to support sustainable development and innovation across the country.
He made the appeal while delivering the welcome address at the 2nd Research and Innovation Week and 10th Research Awards and Grants (RAG) Ceremony of the University, held at the School of Graduate Studies Auditorium in Cape Coast.
Professor Aheto stressed that impactful, transdisciplinary research was central to addressing critical global and national issues such as climate change, food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and environmental degradation, adding that Ghana’s progress depended on consistent investment in research and innovation.
According to him, the government must demonstrate leadership by establishing a dedicated national research fund, as seen in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.
He said such a commitment would inspire coordinated support from academia, civil society, and international partners toward a shared goal of sustainable national development.
The ceremony, held on the theme “National Research Fund for Sustainable Development: A Strategic Developmental Agenda or a Political Rhetoric?”, also recognised faculty members who excelled in attracting research grants and advancing innovation within UCC.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor further commended UCC’s researchers and faculty for their dedication, adding that the university’s success in research was the result of collaborative efforts by faculty, staff, and students.
“Let me wholeheartedly express our deepest gratitude and admiration to our esteemed researchers, not only for the visible and invisible products of their scholarly excellence, but also for the unseen sacrifices they have rendered and the perseverance they have demonstrated throughout their research journeys,” he said.
Professor Aheto congratulated awardees and grantees for their contributions to UCC’s research excellence, stating that “University rankings serve as crucial benchmarks in identifying leading institutions globally, continentally, and sub-regionally, guiding the choices of students, faculty, funders, and other key stakeholders.”
He urged them to remain committed to building a sustainable and innovative future for Ghana and the world.
Professor Aheto mentioned that the current generation attracts no debate to indicate that the conduct of impactful transdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research is crucial to achieving the much-needed global sustainable development.
He noted that such forms of dynamic research hold the potential for knowledge discoveries that are relevant in providing sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges.
READ ALSO: Understand Your Rights Before Pledging Assets as Collateral – BoG to Ghanaians
Source: Anthony Sasu Ayisadu/ATLFMNEWS
