Thirty-seven postgraduate research students from the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) have been awarded research grants designed to facilitate timely and high-quality research work.
Among the 37 awardees, four are PhD candidates, and these grants, sponsored by Samuel and Emelia Brew-Butler in partnership with the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG), aim to alleviate the financial challenges faced by graduate researchers, emerging from a recognized need for quality research and a shift in policy direction and development.
In his keynote speech, Professor Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, former Vice-Chancellor of the Methodist University of Ghana, highlighted the critical role of financial support in advancing postgraduate research.
He stated, “Postgraduate research opens students’ minds to develop the analytical skills necessary for knowledge production and transfer. Therefore, it is crucial for research funds to be recognized and for postgraduate students to contribute meaningfully to society.”
Professor Anamuah-Mensah emphasized, “The highest level of educational pursuit, progressive studies, offers tremendous potential for national development. However, students often face barriers, such as financial constraints, which can hinder their progress. The Support Fund plays a vital role in overcoming these obstacles. It’s essential for postgraduate students to adopt an inclusive mindset and support one another, following the example set by the Brew-Butler family.”
Mr. Emile Brew-Butler, a member of the Samuel and Emelia Brew-Butler SGS/GRASAG UCC Research Fund, expressed his commitment to discussing with his family the possibility of increasing the fund’s acceptance rate. He also mentioned other support initiatives, such as internship opportunities for postgraduate students.
He remarked, “Being part of this award ceremony is an honor. These awards are impactful and contribute significantly to the progress of both our research community and the broader development of Ghana. I am motivated to work towards increasing the fund and enhancing support for students. Investing in education is crucial, and I believe expanding the research fund will benefit our students immensely.”
Beneficiaries of the Samuel and Emelia Brew-Butler SGS/GRASAG UCC Research Fund shared their experiences and expressed gratitude, with Augustin Kofo, a PhD candidate in Agricultural Economics, noting, “The Bill Butler Award has been invaluable to my academic journey. It enabled me to complete my PhD thesis on time, publish papers, and attend conferences. I am deeply grateful to the Brew-Butler family, SGS, GRASAG-UCC, and the selection committee for their support.”
Eunice Davis, an MPhil candidate in Food and Post-Harvest Technology, added, “I am thankful to the selection committee and the Emelia and Samuel Brew-Butler family for this grant. It will be incredibly helpful for my lab work, which requires substantial financial resources. I am optimistic that this support will ensure the successful completion of my research.”
Read Also: Mahama Challenges Gov’t to Stay Accountable Post-2025
Source: Flora Tang/ATLFMNEWS
