UBIDS conference calls for stronger link between research and policy in Ghana

Participants at the 6th UBIDS Research and Development Conference in Wa have called for a stronger connection between academic research and policymaking to address Ghana’s development challenges. The conference, themed ‘Research for Policy: Strengthening Evidence-Informed Policymaking for Ghana’s Development’, emphasized that research must move beyond academic publication to provide practical solutions for the country.

Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Puozuing stated that critical issues such as youth unemployment, agricultural productivity, illegal mining, climate change, healthcare access, and education require evidence-based interventions. He urged researchers to focus on socially relevant issues and encouraged policymakers to involve researchers early in the policy process to bridge the gap between data and implementation.

UBIDS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile noted the importance of research in shaping national decisions and highlighted the university’s commitment to building a research ecosystem, including plans for a new Grants Management System.