“The Prosperity of Nations Is Written in Their Budgets for Research” - Prof. Danquah

Ghana must strategically invest in science and research to secure its long-term development, Prof. Eric Yirenkyi Danquah has said. Speaking at the 10th Research Awards and Grants (RAG) Ceremony of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Danquah, Chair of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) and Founding Director of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), warned that without sustained funding, the country risks falling behind in innovation and competitiveness.

Addressing an audience of academics, policymakers and industry stakeholders, Prof. Danquah said Ghana stands at a critical juncture. “The prosperity of nations is written in their budgets for research,” he stated, highlighting the success of countries such as India, the United States and the United Kingdom, whose consistent investment in research has fueled economic growth and global influence.

Prof. Danquah pointed to WACCI as a model for how strategic research funding can yield tangible results. Over the past 18 years, the Centre has trained more than 120 PhD plant breeders from across Africa, contributing to enhanced food security and agricultural innovation. He credited the initiative’s success to strong partnerships and funding mechanisms, including support from the World Bank’s African Centres of Excellence (ACE) project.

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the GNRF Moonshots, a bold portfolio of research initiatives aimed at delivering measurable national impact by 2029. These initiatives span agriculture and environmental sciences, health and biotechnology, humanities and social sciences and STEM fields. It reflects a broad vision for research-driven national development.

Prof. Danquah also urged African governments to increase investment in higher education. “There is no seat at the table without world-class universities,” he said, stressing that scientific excellence is a prerequisite for global influence and economic transformation.

The ceremony, organised by UCC’s Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC), celebrated academic achievements, recognised faculty contributions and emphasised the role of research in national development.