A National Research and Education Network (NREN) is a specialized Internet service provider dedicated to supporting the needs of the research and education communities within a country. The establishment of National Research and Education Networks (RENs) is a global phenomenon for sharing relevant research and education content.

The origins of the Ghanaian Academic and Research Network (GARNET) can be traced back to 1995 when the idea was mooted. It only took a recognized significance in November 2006 at the end of a three-day workshop held by the Association of African Universities (AAU) in Accra to facilitate more effective integration of ICT into higher education’s core mandate of teaching, learning, research, and information management.

Finally, after several years of consultations among the Stakeholders, The Ghanaian Academic and Research Network was incorporated as a legal entity on August 24th 2010.

GARNET is a not for profit organization open to all accredited tertiary institutions in Ghana including research and educational institutions, Libraries and teaching hospitals. It is established for the purpose of promoting research collaboration among researchers and educators locally and internationally.

The Ghanaian Academic and Research Network (GARNET) is the Ghana National Research and Education Network (NREN) recognized by the West African Research Network (WACREN)