University of Ghana; Credit Peoples Gazette
The Gerda Henkel Foundation has granted the University of Ghana a sum of Euro 1.6 million (USD 1.82 million) to back young researchers in the humanities across Sub-Saharan Africa. The grant follows a successful proposal submitted by the project team at the University of Ghana.
The primary objective of this initiative is to provide support for the training of upcoming academics and professional leaders pursuing doctoral degrees. The overarching goal is to contribute to the long-term impact of cultivating a pool of qualified professionals capable of addressing the developmental challenges prevalent in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
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Additionally, the project aims to fortify research capabilities and promote sustainable graduate education within the region.
After three years into the project, an evaluation was conducted at the University of Ghana by a delegation from the Gerda Henkel Foundation. This evaluation was initiated by the project team, seeking an extension of funding to cover the entire study period for students pursuing PhD degrees. Following a successful assessment in May 2023, the Foundation’s board approved funding for the fourth year for the existing three cohorts of students. Moreover, the project has been extended to run for a total of ten (10) years, with a budget totalling approximately USD 3.7 million.
Under this initiative, ten students from the Sub-Saharan Africa region will be trained annually. The University of Ghana will serve as the sub-regional hub for training PhD scholars in historical humanities, including disciplines such as History, Archaeology, Historical Islamic Studies, Art History, Philosophy, History of Law, History of Science, Prehistory and Early History, Study of Religions, Classics, and other fields with a historical component. The project will cover students’ tuition, accommodation, travel, research, and stipends throughout the four-year PhD program at the University of Ghana.
Prof. Kwame Offei and Prof. Samuel Agyei-Mensah led the project, with coordination from Mr. Benedict Fosu Adjei and assistance from Ms. Barbara Acquah.
The project team expresses gratitude for the support received from Vice-Chancellor Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Office of Research, Innovation and Development, Deans of the School of Graduate Studies, International Programmes, the School of Arts, the Director of the Institute of African Studies, and Heads of Departments in the College of Humanities, where the existing students are currently pursuing their studies.
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