The Ghanaian government has allocated over GH¢700 million for book and research allowances for lecturers in tertiary educational institutions since 2020, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has disclosed. This substantial financial support aims to ensure that academic researchers have essential resources for their research activities.
President Akufo-Addo made this announcement at the opening of the Third Biennial Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana (ARCTUG, 2024) in Sunyani. He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting academia, recognizing the crucial role educators and researchers play in national development.
The Conference
The conference, themed “University, Industry, and Government Partnership for Accelerating Innovation and Entrepreneurship for National Development,” was organized under the auspices of the Vice-Chancellors of Technical Universities of Ghana (VC-TUG). It brought together researchers from academia and industry across Ghana, Africa, and the international community to foster collaboration and innovation.
Participants are expected to present innovations, inventions, and creative solutions to explore new perspectives for the country’s development. President Akufo-Addo also inspected an exhibition showcasing innovations and inventions by the ten technical universities.
Commitment to Research and Education
The President reiterated his administration’s dedication to encouraging research, stating, “These investments underscore my government’s dedication to enriching the quality of education and elevating research excellence in Ghana.” He highlighted the government’s focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education as a pivotal area for driving economic growth and societal progress.
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Advancing STEM Education
President Akufo-Addo outlined several initiatives and investments aimed at fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation. He mentioned the ongoing construction of the Accra STEM Academy, which will be inaugurated this year, and the development of 20 STEM Centres and 10 model STEM Senior High Schools across the country, seven of which are already operational. These schools are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories to facilitate advanced learning in areas such as artificial intelligence and robotics.
Addressing National Challenges
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for multidisciplinary solutions to tackle current challenges such as climate change, public health crises, and sustainable development. He expressed optimism that increased collaboration across various fields could yield effective solutions to these issues. “Together, we can build a brighter future for our nation, characterized by innovation, inclusivity, and prosperity,” he said.
Infrastructure Development
Sir Professor Elias N. K. Sowley, Chairperson of VC-TUG, appealed to the government to enhance infrastructural development at technical universities to support academic activities further. He thanked the government for providing modern equipment to train students and urged technical universities to prioritize research work to address the country’s challenges and improve citizens’ lives.
Educational Investments
The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, highlighted several educational infrastructural developments initiated by the current government. He praised President Akufo-Addo’s significant investments in the education sector, which have distinguished his administration’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and quality in Ghana.