UBIDS research conference participants call for stronger link between evidence and policy
The call was made at the opening of the 6th UBIDS Research and Development Conference in Wa on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, on the theme: “Research for Policy: Strengthening Evidence-Informed Policymaking for Ghana’s Development.”
The University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) has urged for a stronger link between research and policy to address Ghana's development challenges. This was highlighted at the sixth UBIDS Research and Development Conference in Wa on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The conference, themed "Research for Policy: Strengthening Evidence-Informed Policymaking for Ghana’s Development," aimed to bridge the gap between academic research and practical policy solutions.
Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, spoke on behalf of the UBIDS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, emphasizing that research should translate into direct solutions for community and national issues. These issues range from youth unemployment, agricultural productivity, illegal mining, climate change, healthcare access, education, and public-sector efficiency.
Derbile reiterated UBIDS' commitment to enhancing a vibrant research and development ecosystem, including the establishment of a Grants Management System to facilitate researchers in securing competitive grants.
Prof. Frederick Dayour, UBIDS Director of Research, reported that out of 165 submitted abstracts, 140 were selected, with 119 participants presenting papers. Six others presented without submitting a paper. The conference also saw participants from various institutions, including the University of New York, South Africa, and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences.
For the first time, policy briefs and poster presentations were introduced for postgraduate students, with 32 briefs selected for publication covering diverse sectors like health systems, agriculture, tourism, gender, and digital finance.
UBIDS achieved a ranking of 11th out of 70 institutions in Ghana based on the H-Index in the AD Scientific Index Global University Rankings 2027, reflecting its growing research visibility and impact. The three-day conference aimed to facilitate knowledge sharing, enhance collaborations, and explore methods to convert research findings into actionable policies and interventions to improve lives in Ghana.
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