ISSER has successfully concluded the fourth edition of the Research School on Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction -- a high-impact programme designed to strengthen PhD research capacity and foster interdisciplinary collaboration among doctoral students from universities across Ghana. This year’s edition brought together 19 competitively selected participants from eight universities and introduced a valuable new session on research fellowships and grants. Designed to equip students with practical guidance on securing doctoral funding, the session added significant value to the core research methodology masterclass.
Titled "Funding Your Future: Fellowships and Grants for PhD Students", the new session offered practical guidance on identifying and applying for research funding. Led by Research School alumni Rev. Delali Freedman and Ebenezer Bosomprah, it provided participants with insider insights into navigating the funding landscape and securing support for their academic pursuits.
“I am very passionate about the next generation of scholars,” shared co-facilitator Prof. Akosua Darkwa during the opening session. Her words capture the essence of the Research School -- a platform where seasoned researchers mentor emerging scholars within socially relevant contexts aligned with Ghana and Africa’s development priorities.
The participants came from eight institutions across the country: the University of Ghana, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, University for Development Studies, University of Cape Coast, Presbyterian University Ghana, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), and the University of Media, Arts and Communication. Their diverse academic backgrounds created a rich, interdisciplinary learning environment.
A multi-disciplinary team of experienced researchers facilitated the sessions, including Prof. Fred Dzanku and Dr. Dzifa Torvikey (co-PIs), Dr. Kofi Takyi Asante of ISSER, and Prof. Akosua Darkwa of the University of Ghana’s Department of Sociology. Together, they combined deep technical expertise with a strong commitment to mentoring the next generation of African scholars.
Fostering real-world learning and research networks
A highlight of the programme was the field visit to the Dome Market, a local market in the Ga East Municipality. This immersive experience enabled participants to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Through direct observation and interaction, they examined the structures and informal systems that sustain urban markets, gaining practical insight into the social and economic dimensions of development.
Beyond the formal sessions, the Research School fosters a vibrant academic community. Participants form connections not only with each other but also with past cohorts and facilitators -- networks that often evolve into long-term academic and professional support systems.
“This programme has been very educative. It has exposed me to a new dimension. Now I look at research in a broader perspective than I did earlier,” reflected Stanley Appiah Essuman from the University for Development Studies.
Kwame Boateng of the University of Ghana added, “This research methodology class has been a well-structured platform for me to expand my knowledge in research. I commend the organisers, facilitators and participants for making it a successful event. I gained more insight after the session on coding and analysis plan. The discussion on iteration in qualitative data collection is another takeaway for me.”
These reflections underscore the programme’s effectiveness in clarifying complex methodological concepts and quipping participants to carry out impactful, relevant research. They also speak to the strong reputation the programme has built over time.
The high number of applications received each year signals a growing demand for advanced research training. Recognising this pressing need, Dr. Torvikey called for new partners and funding to sustain and expand the initiative, noting its crucial role in strengthening Africa’s research ecosystem.
Four years of sustained impact
Reflecting on the programme’s continued success, Prof. Dzanku noted, “For four consecutive years, the Research School has delivered robust, interdisciplinary training that blends academic rigour with real-world relevance. I am grateful to our partners and my co-facilitators, whose unwavering support continues to make this programme a transformative experience for emerging scholars.”
Organised by ISSER in collaboration with the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Ghana, and supported by international partners including Lund University, the University of Gothenburg, and Uppsala University, the Research School on Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction remains a vital platform for advancing research capacity. The fourth edition was held from 29 July to 1 August 2025 at ISSER.
For more information about the programme, please contact Dr. Dzifa Torvikey gdtorvikey@ug.edu.gh.
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