Prof. Samuel Alhassan Issah Wins DAAD Grant to Mentor Young Scholars
Prof. Samuel Alhassan Issah, Dean of the Faculty of Ghanaian Languages Education in Ajumako at the University of Education, Winneba, has been awarded a grant from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany through the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD).
This award aims to nurture the next generation of scholars via a pioneering mentorship initiative titled "Grooming the Next Generation of Scholars: The Role of Mentorship."
The project aims to empower fifty promising young scholars—drawn from both DAAD and non-DAAD alumni—by enhancing their skills in academic publishing, grant acquisition, and dynamic teaching methodologies. The project is committed to harnessing the strengths of German academic training to drive scholarly excellence and institutional development in countries like Ghana.
"After completing their studies, many scholars face challenges transitioning to independent research due to technical and financial gaps. This mentorship initiative is designed to bridge these gaps by equipping early-career scholars with essential skills and fostering a supportive network of experienced mentors," Prof. Dr. Samuel Alhassan Issah noted.
The initiative includes a comprehensive three-day seminar where 50 early-career scholars will engage with eight established senior academics such as Prof. Joseph Awetori Yaro (Provost, College of Humanities, Legon), Prof. Samuel Awinkene Atintono (Principal, Accra College of Education and PRINCOF President) and Dr. Gifty Appiah-Adjei of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, UEW. Together, they will tackle contemporary academic challenges, exchange ideas, and devise strategies to enhance productivity and make an impact within their respective institutions while also collaborating across academic disciplines.
Furthermore, the programme will establish a structured alumni network to facilitate ongoing collaboration and support among participants. Activities such as workshops, conferences, and stakeholder engagements will be integral to fostering a robust community of scholars committed to advancing education and research in Ghana and beyond.
"The outcomes we expect from this initiative are transformative. Participants will gain vital research and professional skills, establish lasting connections through the alumni network, and contribute significantly to the capacity-building efforts essential for sustainable academic growth," Prof. Issah emphasised.
The grant underscores DAAD's commitment to nurturing talent in developing countries and enhancing global academic collaboration. Through initiatives like this, DAAD continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of education and research worldwide.