“Don’t talk about the latest car or building design—talk to your colleagues about research and what you can do together. Seize every opportunity to explore collaboration opportunities.” This was one of the many practical tips shared during EfD Ghana’s masterclass on Key Lessons in Grant Proposal Writing. Facilitator Wisdom Akpalu led an engaging and impactful session, guiding participants through the essentials of crafting compelling and successful grant proposals. “These lessons are not abstract; they are drawn from my own experiences, and they work when applied effectively,” he emphasized.
The half-day workshop brought together graduate students and researchers from various institutions, creating a dynamic platform for shared learning, networking, and meaningful conversations about research.
Research as art and science
Wisdom Akpalu highlighted the dual nature of research: an art that requires creativity and innovation, and a science grounded in technical precision. “Research begins when you identify something novel that adds value to existing knowledge,” he explained, stressing the importance of identifying gaps in the literature and addressing them methodically.
The workshop provided actionable strategies to advance research success, including:
- Prioritizing quality primary data collection
- Building meaningful mentor relationships
- Identifying promising research opportunities
- Developing effective collaboration networks
Transformative impact on participants
The workshop’s practical approach and rich content resonated deeply with attendees, equipping them with skills and insights that are immediately applicable.
“I now understand that primary data is invaluable, but its quality depends on well-trained enumerators,” shared Rebecca Ashong, a participant from the University of Ghana (UG)’s Economics Department. “The emphasis on finding aligned mentors was particularly enlightening.”
For many, the session brought much-needed clarity to key research concepts. “The distinction between literature review and literature reporting, along with understanding theoretical versus conceptual frameworks, has become much clearer,” noted Divine Selase Amewu of UG.
Practical applications were a focal point. Mavis Dzedu, a research assistant shared: “Learning to align proposals with stakeholder priorities has significantly boosted my confidence. The interactive exercises allowed me to apply concepts in real time, equipping me with skills I can immediately use in my professional work.”
Innovation in research methodology also stood out. “Through these workshops, I discovered tools like Scispace that make research more engaging and efficient. I also learned that analyzing the limitations of existing studies can uncover promising new research directions,” shared attendee William Manu of the UG Department of Economics, reflecting on insights gained from this and previous EfD Ghana workshops held this year.
Driving research excellence
The workshop, held on 11 December, reflects EfD Ghana’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers. By equipping participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the session is helping to drive research excellence in Ghana and beyond.
As ISSER PhD student Rose Bentsil-Quaye succinctly put it, “The guidance on problem statements, theoretical frameworks, and proposal writing will help us achieve our aims and follow in our professors’ footsteps.”
By Vicentia Quartey