Research in Ghanaian public universities : perceptions and experiences of academic staff at the University of Ghana

Abstract

With the advent of the knowledge economies, research is recognised as a catalyst for accelerated national growth. Many countries are therefore investing hugely in university research. However, in developing countries especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, university research is fraught with a myriad of challenges making the research activities of academics weakened and sometimes neglected. Using mainly primary data gathered through interviews, this study sought to examine the perceptions and experiences of academic staff at the University of Ghana on their research activities. The findings of the study indicate that research organisation at the University of Ghana is faced with challenges arising out of the highly individualised research activities of the academics making coordination a big challenge which is compounded by the lack of research policy at the University. In addition to inadequate funding for research, the findings reveal that academics at the University of Ghana have little time to conduct research due to the heavy teaching load and sometimes academics engaging in extra jobs to augment their salaries. Poor research infrastructure was also found to be a major hindrance to the research activities of the academics. The study also found that attempts are being made by the University of Ghana to improve upon the research activities of academics through organisation of workshops to sharpen their research skills and the establishment of the Research and Conference Fund which offer grants to academics. On the whole, the study found that the research environment at the University of Ghana is not favourable for research and needs significant improvement. The study therefore recommends that the government as a matter of urgency should support the university’s research activities by providing budgetary support and investing in research infrastructure. Attempts should be made by the University of Ghana to lessen the heavy teaching loads of academics to give them time to conduct research.