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The study tells the story of a Ghanaian–Dutch research programme that set out to reverse unequal North–South collaboration by putting Ghanaian priorities and leadership first. When funding aligned with national needs, especially around health systems, local researchers responded in large numbers, revealing a deep but untapped research capacity. Many studies directly shaped policy and practice, proving the power of demand-driven, locally led research. Yet the programme ultimately collapsed when Northern funding fell away, exposing the fragility of programmes that lack sustainable local backing.