Committee on national research fund inaugurated

Government has responded to the need for a research fund by inaugurating a committee to deliberate on the process of setting up structures to strengthen the operations of such a fund in the country.

The Polytechnic Teachers Association of Ghana (POTAG) and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) declined to send their representatives to the meeting because of disagrement with the Ministry of Education(MoE) regarding their book and research allowances.

The two unions disagreed with the government's intention to put the book and research allowance, which they enjoyed, into the research fund.

Speaking on behalf of the sector minister and the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE), Prof. Mahama Duwiejua, the Executive Secretary of the NCTE, called on the committee to deliberate and submit recommendations that would be all-inclusive, transparent and fair to all researchers. Research and innovation

He said research and innovation, as well as a closer link between research institutions and industry was the only means through which Ghana could transform its economy which was heavily dependent on raw materials and import of finished goods, to a truly self-reliant economy with sustainable growth as expected from a middle-income country.

The specific terms of reference for the committee are to: Devise criteria for accessing the fund by researchers, suggest sustainable sources of populating the fund, advocate a credible governance structure for the fund and consider any other matter related to the successful implementation of the fund.

The immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology,Prof. Mireku Gyimah, thanked the MoE and NCTE for the confidence reposed in the members. Responsibility

He said the committee had accepted the responsibility because it believed that a national research fund, designed to enhance research and innovation, was needed to facilitate Ghana's development.

Prof. Gyimah called on the government to support the fund.

The committee members present at the meeting included: Prof. A. A. Adjei; representing public universities, Prof. Reynolds Okine ; Conference of Rectors of Polytechnics, Prof. Atsu Aryee; private universities, Mr Donnan K. Tay; acting Director in-charge of Tertiary Education at the MoE and Mr Paul Dzandu; the Deputy Executive Secretary. NCTE. — GNA