WACCBIP Director calls for research support from private sector

Director of the West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Professor Gordon Awandare has called on the private sector to contribute to the funding of research facilities and that of educational institutions.
On his accord, a well-established innovation fund will go a long way to support the various underfunded research facilities and institutions in Ghana.
He disclosed that persons in the private sector are quick to criticize universities and research institutions in the country saying these institutions just produce graduates and not problems solvers which he believes is far from the truth.
“How many private institutions have contributed funds to support the work of research facilities in the country? My facility needs $3 million a year to do our work and we always need to fall on government or find ways of getting that money. Which private institution is willing to even give us $1 million to do research?” he asked.
The researcher motioned that researchers in Ghana can make some scientific breakthroughs if they have enough funds at their disposal.
Speaking in an interview on Y107.9FM’s ‘Myd Morning Show’ hosted by Rev Erskine, Professor Awandare disclosed that with the setting up of a resource and innovation fund, research facilities will receive the resources to function. “A bill on this has been given to parliament for over 3 years now and no decision has been taken”.
“If the bill is passed and the government contributes $5 million, it will open the door for more private donors to contribute to the fund and support our work”, he stated.
To him it will be sad for government to set up a research facility which struggles to get $3 million yearly to be functional. “If that is the case then why set it up in the first place? Government can give the private sector incentives so they support research but gov’t has to lead. The private sector can also consider supporting research as a form of their CSR activities”.
By: Joel Sanco