The University of Ghana chapter of the Graduate Students' Association of Ghana (GRASAG-UG) has organised a four-day workshop for postgraduate students on research grant writing.

The workshop was aimed at equipping graduate students with the technical and soft skills needed in the process of securing grants to fund research activities.

Among others, the workshop exposed graduates to both local and foreign funding opportunities on the theme, 'Rethinking Funding and Graduate Education'.

It was held at UG’s Cedi Conference Centre in collaboration with the Office for Research Innovation and Development (ORID).

The Pro Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research Innovation and Development, Prof Felix Ankomah Asante, said the University is committed to supporting students to fund research activities and, as such, the skill in applying for grants is important.

On his part, the Director of ORID, Prof Joseph Teye, added that grant writing is a special skill to acquire as an academic or researcher to fund cutting-edge research.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, President of GRASAG-UG, Christiana Adu, highlighted the challenging experiences graduates undergo while conducting research with insufficient funds.

In the face of scarce governmental support, she urged students to explore other convenient avenues of seeking funding for research works.

“In the current dispensation where governments are handicapped in providing adequate support for research and graduate studies, it is important for the association to find a lasting solution to the challenge of funding; hence, the workshop.

“This will enable them to undertake relevant research for global development and transformation," Christiana Adu stated.

The Deputy GRASAG-UG Public Relations Officer noted that the workshop forms part of a research capacity-building series of events that intend to build capacity among graduate students.

The workshop is the last component of the series for the 2021/22 academic year.