Stop producing research that ends up on shelves – Prof Dittoh challenges Ghanaian academics
An Associate Professor in the Department of Food Security and Climate Change at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Prof. Saa Dittoh, has issued a strong challenge to Ghanaian academics and policymakers to end the cycle of shelf-bound, donor-driven studies and prioritize research that translates directly into actionable national transformation.
Ghanaian academics have been urged by Professor Saa Dittoh, an Associate Professor at the University for Development Studies, to stop producing research that ends up on shelves and focus on actionable research that directly contributes to national transformation. Delivered as the keynote address at the 6th Annual Research and Development Conference of UBIDS in Wa, Professor Dittoh emphasized that without proper funding and locally inspired research agendas, institutions risk generating "mal-development" that harms rather than improves lives.
The conference, themed "Research for Policy: Strengthening Evidence-Informed Policymaking for Ghana’s Development," highlighted the disconnect between academic work and policy initiatives, which are often shaped by foreign donor priorities instead of community needs. Professor Dittoh criticized donors for funding single-crop projects like maize or soybean, while overlooking locally preferred crops such as millet, groundnuts, and beans.
He also cautioned against researchers providing one-size-fits-all agricultural recommendations, urging universities to implement problem-identification workshops before starting studies. Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Puozuing, on behalf of the regional minister, highlighted that transformation requires evidence-based, institutionally strong, and courageous actions.
Shaiku Mumuni Damma, Chief Director of the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, emphasized the need to move beyond good intentions and focus on socially impactful issues like youth unemployment, illegal mining, climate change, and primary healthcare. UBIDS' Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Kanchebe Derbile, announced plans to address the research-funding deficit by establishing a Grants Office to support faculty and researchers in securing competitive grants.
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