Accra: The World Bank, Ghana, in partnership with the University of Ghana (UG), has held its inaugural PhD Students Research Colloquium to promote research-based development in Ghana and across Africa. The event is part of the Bank's Transformation Dialogue Series, co-hosted with the African Centre for Economic Transformation and the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, UG.
According to Ghana News Agency, the colloquium took place on Tuesday at the World Bank's premises in Accra, where selected PhD candidates from the University's Economics Department presented their research on socioeconomic development issues. The presentations addressed various disciplines in economics, such as monetary, health, public sector economics, and international economics.
Mr. Robert Taliercio O'Brien, World Bank Division Director for Ghana, emphasized the renewed focus on knowledge as a core component of their development support. He highlighted the "Knowledge Bank" initiative, which aims to consolidate global evidence, operational experience, data, and practical lessons to benefit countries and institutions. Mr. O'Brien underscored the importance of making development knowledge accessible, actionable, and connected to ground-level implementation.
The collaboration intends to link researchers with pertinent policy questions, foster dialogue among scholars, government, and practitioners, and support access to data and international experience. Professor Edward Nketiah-Amponsah, Head of the Economics Department at UG, noted the colloquium's value in providing candidates with opportunities to present their work, exchange ideas, and engage with peers, faculty, and World Bank practitioners. He expressed hope for the sustainability of this initiative, which aims to strengthen the connection between academic research and development practice.