Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur has announced that the controversial research fund for teachers at tertiary institutions will become operational early next year.

Government’s announcement of the plans to introduce the fund earlier this year triggered strikes by university and polytechnic teachers.

The fund is expected to replace the payment of book and research allowance to the teachers.

Speaking at the 15th congregation of the University for Development Studies in Wa, Mr. Amissah Arthur observed research is crucial to the nation’s development.

According to him, “Our desire to transform this country from a low to a middle income country can only be realized through research and the training of high level manpower with the appropriate scientific and technological skills.”

He noted that Ghana “cannot develop merely through the sale of oil and other primary products. Therefore it is necessary to invest in research and innovation for added value and economic transformation.”

“Government is committed to solving the problem of inadequate funding of research in this country. Plans are advance in setting up a National Research Fund. In the meantime, early in the New Year we will invite proposals for limited funding for research from the National Council for Tertiary Education,” Mr. Amissah Arthur revealed.

Vice President Amissah Arthur urged the university to work to improve agricultural growth in the country.

“Even as we explore other possibilities for growth in the service and manufacturing sectors, agriculture will remain in the backbone of the Ghanaian economy. Which means that improvement in agriculture will be vital to improving the livelihood of our people. I urge the university to work to improve agriculture especially in the Savannah belt and I assure you government will continue to provide support through the provision of research grants,” he said.