The Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Ghana, Prof. Gordon Akanzuwine Awandare, has urged for stronger and sustained investment in science and research. He made this call at the UGMC Research Symposium, held on September 29, 2026, under the theme “From Bench to Bedside: Integrating Research, Technology, and Clinical Care in Ghana.” Prof. Awandare emphasized that inadequate funding and weak research ecosystems contribute to brain drain and limit Africa’s capacity for cutting-edge scientific research.
Prof. Awandare linked inadequate investment in research to the loss of skilled professionals through brain drain, stating that Africa has been deprived of some of its most valuable human resources. He identified a weak research ecosystem and poor remuneration for scientists and researchers as factors contributing to the continued loss of intellectual talent. According to him, African governments must demonstrate their commitment to science through actual budgetary allocations rather than just speeches.
Prof. Awandare noted that Africa’s ability to undertake cutting-edge discovery research is constrained by the high cost of basic and fundamental research. He mentioned that equipment needed for basic research, such as those required for drug discovery, genomics, and other advanced scientific fields, is expensive. For instance, equipment like NMR machines, mass spec, and genome sequencing equipment are costly, making governments reluctant to prioritize research infrastructure.
The Pro-VC also called for changes in the structure of externally funded research, arguing that African scientists should have greater control over research agendas and funding. He stated that funding arrangements should increasingly support African-led discovery research. Prof. Awandare criticized current research arrangements where foreign universities receive major grants, and African institutions are primarily engaged in collecting samples or data for projects led outside the continent.
Prof. Awandare cited several international initiatives that have contributed to strengthening research capacity on the continent, including the World Bank’s African Centres of Excellence initiative, which has invested over $500 million across multiple phases. He also mentioned the DELTAS Africa initiative, which has supported African-led health research and scientific leadership with $100 million in the first phase and $70 million in the second phase.
The academic medical centre model, according to Prof. Awandare, provides an opportunity to integrate education, research, innovation, and clinical care in a single environment. He noted that UGMC’s research function benefits from the close relationship between researchers, clinicians, and patients, allowing problems identified in healthcare settings to inform laboratory investigations and potential solutions.
The symposium was organized by the Medical and Scientific Research Centre through the Research Training and Development Unit and the Office of External Engagement, with sponsorship from Lancet Laboratories Ghana Limited. Prof. Awandare's call for stronger research funding and infrastructure underscores the need for increased investment in science and research to address brain drain and enhance Africa's research capacity.
Key points
- Prof. Gordon Akanzuwine Awandare calls for increased investment in science and research.
- Inadequate funding and weak research ecosystems contribute to brain drain.
- African scientists should have greater control over research agendas and funding.
