DRID-UEW Trains Grant Recipients in Project Management and Accountability
The Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRID) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has organised a training workshop for newly awarded project implementers to enhance their capacity in effective grant management and project execution.
The orientation, held at the Pecku Conference Room on Thursday, 2nd April, 2026, brought together new grant winners and resource persons from key administrative and technical units of the University to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills for successful project delivery.
Opening the session, Prof. Alfred Kuranchie, the Deputy Director of DRID, stated that the initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen grant management systems within the University. He noted that many researchers encounter challenges at the initial stages of project implementation, hence the need for structured guidance to ensure compliance with funders’ requirements, university regulations and international standards.
He emphasised that research grants are institutional assets rather than personal funds. He stressed the University’s responsibility to ensure their proper management. He added that the orientation would provide clarity on processes and expectations, drawing on expertise from finance, procurement, auditing, administration and monitoring and evaluation.
In a presentation on project planning, Dr. Osman Adams, the Coordinator of Grant Sourcing at DRID, highlighted the importance of developing well-structured work plans to guide project activities. He underscored the need for accountability, proper budgeting, accurate record-keeping and risk management, noting that project leaders must ensure that deliverables are clearly defined and achieved. He also encouraged effective teamwork, clear communication and flexibility in responding to economic and operational challenges.
Addressing compliance issues, Mr. Emmanuel Ewusie-Mensah, the Head of Compliance Audit and Transactions at the Internal Audit Office, described auditing as a vital tool for ensuring transparency and accountability. He urged participants to maintain proper documentation and engage auditors early to avoid common errors such as inconsistencies in financial reporting and delays in retiring funds.
On procurement, Mad. Mary Dzimey, the Head of Procurement, stressed the need for adherence to established procedures to ensure fairness, transparency and value for money. She encouraged project teams to plan procurement activities carefully and work closely with relevant officers to ensure compliance.
Mr. Constant Ehiakpor, the DRID Accountant, speaking on financial procedures, explained that accessing project funds requires strict adherence to laid-down processes and proper documentation. He advised participants to submit accurate and complete information to facilitate approvals and ensure accountability. Similarly, Mr. George Bondzie, DRID Administrator, emphasised the importance of proper administrative documentation, cautioning that incomplete submissions often delay processing.
In her presentation on monitoring and evaluation, Dr. (Mrs.) Charity Esenam Anor, Coordinator for Monitoring and Evaluation at DRID, highlighted the need for continuous tracking of project activities and the submission of quarterly reports to ensure accountability and measure impact.
Selected grant winners also presented their projects, focusing on education, health and child development research including initiatives on improving early learning outcomes, tracking graduate career pathways and assessing literacy, numeracy and physical activity among children through local and international collaborations.
The workshop underscored the critical role of effective planning, compliance, teamwork and documentation in successful grant management. Participants were urged to apply these principles to ensure efficient project implementation and contribute meaningfully to the university’s research impact and development agenda.
