Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Professor Humphrey Danso, has strongly advocated for a heightened focus on applied research to address pressing national challenges and inform policy decisions. He made these remarks during his keynote address at the 2nd Postgraduate Research Conference held at Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), urging postgraduate students to champion innovation and solution-oriented studies.
Context: The Need for Tangible Research Outcomes
Professor Danso emphasized that research endeavors must transcend theoretical exercises to yield concrete, impactful results that directly benefit society. He articulated that the core purpose of applied research is to solve existing problems, improve current products and services, and refine national policies.
“We are tasked to conduct applied research, and we should understand that our research should not be one with shallow outcomes. The research should solve problems that are within our society,” Professor Danso stated.
He cautioned against the pursuit of overly abstract or philosophical research that lacks clear societal relevance. Instead, he encouraged a shift towards practical issues capable of producing measurable and tangible solutions.
“Let us go into research out of which we can produce something tangible and solve the problems we have,” he urged the attendees.
Conference Highlights and Key Themes
The conference, a collaborative effort with the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG), convened under the theme “Impact of Applied Research on National Development.” The event underscored the critical role of research in fostering progress and addressing societal needs.
Significant outcomes from the conference included calls for the greater integration of indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary scientific methodologies. Participants also highlighted the necessity for increased investment in applied research initiatives.
Furthermore, the conference stressed the importance of fostering robust collaborations between academic institutions, industry players, and government bodies, often referred to as the Triple Helix model, to accelerate the translation of research into practical applications.
Institutional Commitments to Research Impact
Professor Emmanuel Kwaw, acting Pro Vice-Chancellor of CCTU, echoed the sentiment regarding the imperative of research that delivers practical solutions. He reaffirmed the university’s dedication to enhancing its research capabilities and maximizing its societal impact.
“There is a need for sustainable solutions. As a research-led institution, CCTU holds a responsibility to provide actionable solutions to problems,” Professor Kwaw remarked, expressing confidence in the faculty and students’ ability to contribute to solving societal issues.
Professor Emmanuel Bamfo-Agyei, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at CCTU, elaborated on the distinct role of technical universities in preparing industry-ready professionals. He contrasted the focus of traditional universities, often geared towards theoretical design, with the practical, production-oriented mandate of technical universities.
“The role of technical universities in Ghana is in our theme. Our role is to produce technologists who will produce things for us,” Professor Bamfo-Agyei explained. He noted the transition from polytechnics to technical universities signifies a move towards training technologists capable of developing tangible products and solutions, which he deemed essential for Ghana’s development.
Conference Proceedings and Recognition
The two-day conference featured a series of paper presentations covering diverse areas such as construction management, surveying, and cost control in construction projects. The event successfully brought together university leadership, faculty members, researchers, postgraduate students, and external scholars.
At the conclusion of the conference, Mr. John Arthur and Ms. Jennifer Senanu Dzodzegbe were recognized as the best postgraduate researchers for the academic year. They received an award for a fully funded trip to attend a conference at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, in September 2026.
Looking Ahead: Bridging Research and Societal Needs
The discussions and outcomes from the 2nd Postgraduate Research Conference signal a growing imperative within Ghana’s academic and research communities to align research efforts more closely with national development priorities. The emphasis on applied research, integration of indigenous knowledge, and stronger stakeholder collaborations suggests a future where academic discoveries are more directly translated into tangible solutions for societal challenges. The success of technical universities in producing practical innovators is expected to be a key factor in this ongoing national development narrative.
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