By Edward Adjei Frimpong
In response to decreasing financial aid for research activities, including the U.S. government’s recent freeze on USAID funding, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has announced a strategic shift towards the commercialization of research outputs.
The initiative he noted aims at generating internal funds to support scientific research across the country.
The Minister emphasized the need for research institutions to effectively communicate their successes, saying, “If we have research institutions that can commercialize their outputs, they will generate funds internally to invest in research projects. It is imperative for research institutions to properly communicate their successes for the needed traction.”
To this end, Ghana will host its inaugural ‘Science and Technology Research Fair’ in May 2025, designed to showcase the outputs of research institutions and attract potential investors. This fair is part of a broader effort to secure funding for research initiatives.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to boosting research funding through initiatives like the Ghana National Research Fund and the CSIR Science for Impact Fund (CSIF). These programs aim to support research and innovation in tertiary institutions while driving industrial growth and sustainable economic development.
He was speaking during the opening session of the Africa Genetic Biocontrol Consortium’s 2nd Global Congress in Accra. Themed “Harnessing Biocontrol Potential Solutions in A Changing Climate,” the congress attracted about 65 participants from 15 countries to dialogue on genetic biocontrol technologies within the African context.
The four-day event featured pre-congress workshops, panel discussions, and exhibitions that highlighted genetic biocontrol products and services.
The Africa Genetic Biocontrol Consortium serves as a vital platform for African experts and institutions, enhancing opportunities for technical capacity building, knowledge exchange, and addressing challenges related to genetic biocontrol technologies.
Commenting on combating Malaria, the Minister said for over two decades, Ghana has implemented various malaria control interventions, yet the disease continues to be one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country, stressing the urgent need for effective solutions through international collaborations among scientists to curb the menace.
Making a presentation, Professor Fredros Okumu from the University of Glasgow emphasized the crucial role the U.S. government has played in supporting public healthcare across Africa over the years. He urged African leaders to explore innovative strategies to bridge the financing gap created by the U.S. government’s freeze on aid.
“This situation presents an opportunity to reflect and explore how to leverage additional resources. It is also a challenge to innovate and develop tools and interventions that are more cost-effective, including genetically modified mosquitoes to reduce malaria transmission.”
He highlighted the stark reality that millions of children in Africa owe their lives to the generosity of the American people, expressing gratitude for their support.
However, he noted the current funding gap for malaria control in Africa, stating, “Although there has always been a funding shortfall for malaria control, our leaders must devise means to tackle this challenge. Africa’s annual budget for malaria control ranges from $8 to $10 billion, yet the international community has consistently failed to raise more than $5 billion.”
On his part, Dr. Misheck Mulumba, President of the Congress, stressed need for rapid responses to control pandemics worldwide to mitigate their devastating effects. He added, “If possible, the world must invest in appropriate innovations, such as biocontrol technologies, to prevent imminent pandemics.”
