On the June 5, 2023, the University of Development Studies (UDS) signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Action Aid Ghana, a Non-Governmental Organisation, to conduct research to provide reliable data for advocacy and Public Policy development in northern Ghana.

The MoU will enable both institutions to conduct compelling research in areas such as climate change, poverty, gender equality, women’s empowerment, and livelihoods.

The country Director of ActionAid Ghana, Mr. John Nkaw said UDS has been a research-based and credible institution with many years of excellence in research. He expressed optimism that that university’s human resources can help advance knowledge in research areas and better inform government policies and programs. “Action Aid is committed to public policy in this country and has made many advances and reforms in the public sector,” he said. “We are now implementing National Strategy Document 7, entitled Active Citizenship for Social Justice, and women’s lives and rights seem to be improving.”

Mr. Nkaw expressed the belief that the research collaboration will draw the government’s attention to the need for more investment in renewable energy and other key areas in the north of the country.

For his part, the Vice-Chancellor of the University for Development Studies, Professor Seidu Al-hassan, said the memorandum of understanding would facilitate joint research between the university and ActionAid Ghana, adding that it will help both institutions as research-based institutions, to conduct compelling research that will help generate credible data for policymakers and development partners. “UDS is looking forward to an industry relationship where the industry can ask us to do something together, and we are confident that this is just the beginning. “We thought about how all the theories could be applied to improve people’s lives,” he said.

Prof. Seidu Al-hassan signed on behalf of UDS, whilst Mr. Nkaw signed for ActionAid Ghana. Witnesses to the signing were the Northern Regional Director of ActionAid Ghana, Madam Esther Boateng, the Registrar of the University, Mr. Nurudeen Issah Abubakari, Director, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Prof. Abubakari Abdulai and the Director of International Relation, Prof. Courage Kosi Setsoafia Saaba.

The Director of the Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Prof. Abukari Abdulai, recounted how the relationship with ActionAid began and what it seeks to achieve in the future.  He also recounted the series of encounters between his office and the ActionAid that eventually led to a presentation on how the two institutions could collaborate to impact lives in the Region.  The collaboration is expected to thrive on the back of the research and Community based development interest of the UDS that will enhance the advocacy work of Action Aid. The MoU will bind the two institutions for 5 years working together to bring holistic development to many communities.

Story by: 
Farhana Issah (University Relations)