Building on success: ISSER trains staff of COCOBOD, Ghana

Training for COCOBOD staff: Dr. Addoquaye Tagoe with a participant at one of the training sessions

The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) organised a Research Methodology and Report Writing Short Course for staff of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). The two-week course, which was held from August 8 - 19, 2022 at ISSER, contributes to building on the success of the 2022 Short Courses Programme, which saw the training of scores of participants from Ghana and Sierra Leone in four separate courses.  

Involving 32 COCOBOD staff who joined from across the country, the Research Methodology and Report Writing Course was customised for the participants based on their work roles and experiences in the agricultural sector in general and the cocoa sector in particular.  The training brings to about 170 the total number of persons who have participated in the Short Course Programme for 2022. 

The Short Courses Coordinator, Dr. Cynthia Addoquaye Tagoe attributed the success of this year’s programme in particular and the Short Courses Programme in general to two key factors: the enthusiasm of participants to embrace learning, and all-round support from faculty and staff members who ensured a conducive and congenial atmosphere for teaching and learning. 

“With the support of a network of helpful colleagues, external facilitators, and support staff, our joint efforts towards the Short Courses Programme continues to be rewarded with success. I acknowledge every individual who contributed to the planning and delivery of this year’s programme.” 

“Special thanks to organisations and individual professionals for their continued interest and participation in the programme, which reflects their belief in the value that ISSER offers.” 

The Director of ISSER, Prof. Peter Quartey, on his part, highlighted the centrality of the Short Course Programme to ISSER’s knowledge for development mission, with a call for continued partnerships with the Institute to help strengthen the research capacity of relevant professionals.  

“Knowledge and capacity building is a key area of focus for ISSER and the Short Courses Programme is one of the ways we bear this out.” 

“With our range and depth of academic expertise across many social science disciplines as well as our rich networks and connections with external experts, government agencies, and industry, ISSER is uniquely positioned to deliver training programmes that are effective and relevant.” 

“Our doors are ever open for collaborations on research training and support,” he concluded. 

The Short Courses - Executive Leadership Programme in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for Public and Private Sectors, Research Methodology and Report Writing, Data Management and Analysis, and Project Cycle Management - were delivered from May 30 to July 22, 2022, for a two-week duration each. 

Here is a selection of what some 2022 Short Course Programme participants had to say about their experience:.