Acting Chief Resource Officer at MTN Ghana, Abdallah Ibrahim, has called on the government to make significant investments into research aimed at addressing the critical issues facing Ghana.
He was speaking at the MTN Ghana Business Executives Breakfast Meeting, which focused on the theme Bridging the Skills Gap: Empowering Talents for the Future.
In his remarks, Ibrahim highlighted that much of the country’s spending is misallocated, hindering growth and progress. “It’s time to face the facts,” he stated, urging a shift in priorities to foster national development.
Citing recent research, Ibrahim noted that Ghana spends an estimated 2-4% of its GDP—approximately $1 billion—on education and human resources.
Despite this, he questioned whether these funds are allocated effectively. He expressed concern that financial resources often end up in individual pockets rather than being directed toward impactful projects.
To drive meaningful growth, Ibrahim stressed the importance of targeted research in key areas such as renewable energy, drought-resistant crops, and advanced technologies. By investing in these sectors, he argued, Ghana could create a stronger, more resilient economy.