The University for Development Studies (UDS) has launched a special-purpose funding initiative to raise financial resources to support academic research on national issues, especially those affecting people in the northern part of the country
The initiative dubbed Sustainable Research Fund for Northern Ghana (SRF4NG), was launched with GH¢500,000 (US$100,000) seed fund to be managed by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIR).
This fund would provide financial resources in the form of grants to qualified people such as faculty, staff and students to conduct any form of research work in the fields of applied sciences or capacity enhancement that may be relevant to the mandate of the university as well the socio-economic development of northern Ghana and beyond.
Vice Chancellor of UDS, Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, noted that the introduction of the fund is to provide funding to undertake strategic research of benefit to the specific catchment areas of the university, Ghana and beyond.
“The fund is expected to support research projects that contribute to sustainable development, food security, environmental conservation and economic empowerment in northern Ghana,” he said.
By providing a dedicated source of funding for research initiatives, UDS aims to foster a culture of innovation and knowledge creation to address pressing local issues, create job opportunities and contribute to the long-term prosperity of the region.
As a native of the north, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Suman Kingsford Bagbin, pledged GH₵50,000 to the fund whilst the Regional Minister, Shani Alhassan Saibu, representing the government, also pledged GH₵100,000 to commence the initiative.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Suman Kingsford Bagbin commended the management of UDS for the initiative, saying it would go a long to ensure quality research work.
He encouraged alumni and indigenes of the north especially the caucus of parliament to support the fund to be able achieve the set goals.
The regional minister opined that the initiative aligns with the country’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its efforts to address domestic development concerns, including environmental sustainability and economic growth.
Northern Ghana is a key area for agricultural activities, dominated by smallholder farmers producing food and cash crops. The region has also been a focus for initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices, such as climate-smart agriculture and forest preservation
Security analyst, Dr. Adam Bonaa, encouraged staff, lecturers and students to take advantage of the fund.
Research Professor at the Department of Integrated Development Studies of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Stephen Kendie, stressed the need for all institutions to establish a fund to support internal research.
