A delegation from the Directorate of Research Innovation and Development (DRID) of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) visited the University of Ghana’s Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) on January 15, 2025. The team, led by Prof. Esther Danso Wiredu, Director of DRID, aimed to learn from UG's research management and grants administration best practices. The other members of the UEW delegation were Dr. Mrs. Charity Esenam Anor, M&E Coordinator; Dr. Phillip Siaw Kissi, Coordinator of Grants; and Mr. George Bondzie, Assistant Registrar in the Directorate.

Courtesy Call

The visit began with a courtesy call on the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Development, Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, at his office in the new RID office complex. During the meeting, the Pro Vice-Chancellor emphasized the importance of collaboration between institutions, noting that "sharing ideas rather than competing allows universities to access greater resources." He also highlighted the significance of robust financial systems in securing research funding, stating, "No one will give you funding if your accounting isn't right."

Prof. Esther Danso Wiredu, an alumna of the University of Ghana, shared her appreciation for the opportunity to learn from UG's well-established research management systems. She noted that UEW is still growing in this area and hopes to enhance its research management capabilities through this visit.

Presentation of RID Functions

Prof. David Dodoo-Arhin, Director of Research and Innovation outlined the mission and functions of RID, explaining how the Directorate drives the university’s research strategy and supports faculty, staff and students with research initiatives. He explained that grants management, which accounts for about 45% of RID’s work, is just one aspect of the directorate’s efforts to support and enhance research across various fields.

Training on Grants Management Best Practices

The delegation participated in a comprehensive training session on grants management, covering topics such as proposal development, financial management, research ethics, intellectual property management, research performance and capacity building. The session involved Research Development Officers and other staff members responsible to aspects of the research support system at RID, they include Mr. Jacob Zuttah, Mrs. Amma Appah, Mrs. Sakyibea Biney-Nyamekye, Mrs Mammie Nortey, Mrs. Diana Owusu Antwi, Mrs Rose Margaret Kanyoke, Seth Amartey and Vincent Amissah.

In her closing remarks, Prof. Danso Wiredu expressed her gratitude for the knowledge shared during the visit and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the two institutions to strengthen research capabilities and secure additional resources