Speaking at the UGMC Research Symposium, Professor Bonney highlighted the importance of government funding for research and training. This investment, she stated, is crucial for building the capacity to address Ghana’s healthcare challenges and retain skilled researchers within the country.
Professor Bonney noted that the UGMC's research center, being located within a hospital, offers a significant advantage. This proximity allows researchers direct access to patients and the clinical environment, facilitating the identification of health problems and the development of applicable solutions.
The symposium's theme, “From Bench to Bedside: Integrating Research, Technology, and Clinical Care in Ghana,” reflects this objective. The aim is to showcase ongoing research and strengthen the connection between scientific inquiry and clinical practice, ultimately improving patient care.
Professor Bonney stressed that research outcomes should extend beyond academic publications to produce practical interventions and products. These innovations, once approved by regulatory bodies like the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), could be scaled up for use in other health facilities across Ghana.
She warned that insufficient funding could lead to the emigration of skilled professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. Investing locally in research and training, she argued, is essential for retaining talent and empowering them to solve the nation's health problems.