The Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG) at UHAS has launched a Graduate Research Fund to support student research, promote innovation, and strengthen Ghana’s research ecosystem.
A New Push for Graduate Research in Ghana
The Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana at the University of Health and Allied Sciences has officially launched a Graduate Research Fund aimed at strengthening academic research and innovation among postgraduate students.
The event took place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences Auditorium. It brought together university leaders, policymakers, researchers, and students under the theme “Resetting the Research Landscape for National Development: The Role of GRASAG-UHAS.”
The initiative is designed to support graduate students in conducting impactful research that contributes directly to national development.
University Leadership Backs Research Funding Initiative
The Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Prof. Lydia Aziato, commended the initiative and underscored the importance of accountability and academic output.
She encouraged beneficiaries to ensure that funded projects translate into publishable research with measurable impact on society.
As part of institutional support, she announced an annual contribution of GH¢20,000 to sustain the fund.
Call for Stronger Investment in Research and Innovation
Emeritus Professor Fred Newton Binka, founding Vice Chancellor of UHAS and Chair of the Ghana Health Service Council , stressed that Ghana’s long-term development depends on sustained investment in research and innovation.
He cautioned against overreliance on external assistance and called for stronger collaboration among universities, government, and the private sector.
He further recommended the establishment of endowment funds, technology transfer offices, and clear commercialization policies to support research outcomes.
Funding Framework for Graduate Students
The President of GRASAG-UHAS, Mr. Adam Abdul Fatau, announced that successful applicants would initially receive grants of up to GH¢5,000.
He noted that while the amount is modest, it is expected to significantly support meaningful postgraduate research activities.
The funding structure, he added, will be reviewed periodically to ensure long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
Stakeholder Support and Policy Direction
Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Member of Parliament for Ho West, represented by Dr. Moses Adjei, described the initiative as forward-looking and donated GH¢5,000 in support of the fund.
The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Martin Ayanore, presented the Graduate Research Fund Policy and Implementation Document, assuring stakeholders of transparency and accountability in the management of the fund.
Mr. Yanik Noah Agboado, representing the Volta Regional Minister, encouraged students to use the opportunity to address pressing societal challenges through research-driven solutions.
Strengthening Ghana’s Research Ecosystem
The launch marks a significant step in efforts to build a stronger research culture within Ghana’s tertiary education system.
It reflects growing recognition that graduate research funding is central to innovation, knowledge production, and national transformation.
Stakeholders collectively called for continued support from government, academia, industry, and development partners to sustain the initiative.
Internal Links
- Graduate education in Ghana: https://educationghana.org/graduate-education
- Research and innovation in universities: https://educationghana.org/university-research-ghana
- Higher education funding updates: https://educationghana.org/education-funding
External Links
Related Articles
- Funding Research in Ghanaian Universities: Challenges and Opportunities
- The Role of Graduate Students in National Development
- Strengthening Innovation Ecosystems in African Universities
- Higher Education Reform and Research Capacity Building in Ghana
