Dr. Selina Saah, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), has called on the government to urgently support researchers with increased funding to drive innovation and national development.

Speaking to CTV and Accra FM's Bono and Ahafo Regional Correspondent, Odeneho Kwesi Appiah, Dr. Saah emphasised that while Ghana is home to many talented researchers, inadequate funding remains a major obstacle to realising their full potential.

“Ghanaian researchers are capable, but we face significant challenges due to a lack of funding.

The government must prioritise research financing to enable us to explore solutions that can reduce our reliance on foreign countries,” she stated.

Dr. Saah made the appeal during the final workshop of her latest research project, which explored the use of coconut husks in water purification.

The project, themed “Sustainable Remediation of Pharmaceutical Residue Pollution in Water Bodies: Biochar Nanocomposite Adsorption Approach,” aimed at addressing the growing problem of pharmaceutical pollutants in Ghana’s water systems.

Explaining the outcome of the study, Dr. Saah said the research demonstrated the potential of using coconut-based biochar to purify water contaminated by pharmaceutical residues.

She noted that these pollutants pose a serious threat to water quality and public health.

“If we are able to expand this research, we can produce more effective materials to purify our water bodies and protect the environment,” she added.

The Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Prof Elvis Asare-Bediako, commended Dr. Saah and her team for their innovative work, describing it as a valuable contribution to the country’s water sustainability efforts.

“This is groundbreaking research. If implemented, it will significantly improve our water cycle and help safeguard our natural resources,” Prof. Asare-Bediako noted.