Accra, Ghana – June 24, 2024: In a landmark collaboration aimed at bolstering evidence-based policy-making in Ghana, the Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG). The agreement, signed on June 21, 2024, seeks to empower graduate students to contribute significantly to Ghana’s legislative process.
The partnership, steered by Sammy Obeng, Executive Director of PNAfrica, followed extensive discussions on the terms of the agreement and strategies for implementation. Mr. Obeng emphasized the long-term vision of the collaboration, noting that while it begins with the current GRASAG executives, it is designed to establish a lasting legacy for future officeholders and the wider academic community.
“This partnership is not just for today; it’s for the future, creating a legacy that will benefit subsequent officeholders and the broader academic community,” said Mr. Obeng. He expressed optimism that this initiative would set a precedent for future collaborations between PNAfrica and academic institutions across the country.
Emmanuel Owusu, President of GRASAG, echoed this sentiment, highlighting his commitment to ensuring the continuity of the partnership. “I see this partnership as a legacy that I can hand over to those who come after me. Despite the challenges with our current handover systems, I will ensure that a robust mechanism is put in place to keep future executives informed and engaged with ongoing projects,” Mr. Owusu stated.
A key component of this collaboration is the training of a cohort of GRASAG members in effective parliamentary research. These members will produce research findings to support Parliamentary Committees in their evaluation of bills and policies. This initiative is part of the “Enhancing Civic Participation of Youth and Women in Ghana” project, funded by the French Embassy. The project aims to provide platforms, training, and tools to strengthen the capacity of youth and women to actively participate in the parliamentary process, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and good governance principles.
Both PNAfrica and GRASAG are enthusiastic about the positive impact this partnership will have on civic engagement and policy-making in Ghana. The collaboration promises to enhance the quality of legislative research and policy evaluation, benefiting not only the current generation of graduate students but also future scholars and policymakers.
The signing of the MoU marks the beginning of what both organizations hope will be a fruitful and enduring partnership, committed to promoting academic excellence and evidence-based policy-making in Ghana.
Source: PNAfrica Comms
