The University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED) has called on researchers to make their academic work useful beyond traditional journals. This initiative aims to ensure that publicly funded research reaches and benefits the wider Ghanaian public. The university emphasized that research should not remain hidden behind expensive paywalls.
This appeal was made during a specialized training workshop organized by USTED’s Publication Board. The workshop focused on equipping researchers, lecturers, and senior members with skills to transform academic studies into compelling stories. These stories are intended for print, radio, television, and digital media platforms.
This move by USTED aligns with a broader national push for greater transparency and public engagement in publicly funded projects. Ghana's economic development relies on informed policy-making, which can be significantly enhanced by accessible research. The initiative also addresses concerns about the limited reach of academic work, particularly from the Global South, often confined to international journals with high subscription fees.
Professor Isaac Boateng, USTED’s Pro Vice Chancellor, stated that research success should extend beyond publication counts or citation numbers. He stressed that the true measure of research lies in its societal impact. Professor Boateng highlighted that much valuable knowledge remains within academic circles, despite researchers spending months or years on data collection and analysis. He urged researchers to view communication as an integral part of the research process, not an afterthought.
Dr. Christopher Owusu-Ansah, Chairman of the USTED Publication Board, explained that the workshop was organized to address the significant gap between university research and public understanding. He noted that many studies, particularly from the Global South, are published in international journals with limited public access. Dr. Owusu-Ansah argued that citizens, who often fund this research through taxes, deserve access to findings that can influence national development and policy. He stated, “It is only proper and fair that the research that is done is also thrown into the public space, not just behind paywalls.”
To facilitate this, USTED invited journalists from the West African Journalists for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (WAJESHA). These journalists led practical sessions on effective communication of research to broader audiences. The training included a masterclass by Daniel Abugri, New Media Editor at WAJESHA, who focused on identifying the news value within academic research. He emphasized that a study becomes newsworthy when it clearly affects people's lives.
Engr. Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen, Director of WAJESHA, guided participants on writing research in a style suitable for journalists. He noted that many researchers produce valuable studies but struggle to explain their importance to ordinary people. The final session, also facilitated by Engr. Mohammed-Nurudeen, Daniel Abugri, and independent film producer Afrifa Smith Charles, focused on adapting research for television, radio, and digital platforms. Afrifa highlighted the distinct approach required for television storytelling compared to academic writing.
The workshop has already begun to shift perspectives among participants. Dr. Daniel Nimo from the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies acknowledged that the training helped him understand how to convert research findings into accessible news. He noted that researchers often use technical language and statistical explanations that are not easily understood outside academia. The training underscored the importance of presenting research in simpler language, ensuring its relevance and impact are widely appreciated.