In recent years, the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) has been collaborating with partners in Ghana to address pressing sustainability challenges. This effort is part of two significant initiatives: a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Sussex (UoS) and the University of Ghana (UG), and the IDS Ghana Development Hub, a platform designed to bring together representatives from various sectors to tackle critical development issues.
As part of this collaborative work, IDS and its partners have published two opinion articles focusing on the impact of deforestation regulations on farmers in Ghana and the challenges related to water and sanitation facilities in schools. These publications underscore the importance of engaged, transdisciplinary research that bridges policy and activism. Earlier this year, a panel discussion hosted by the University of Ghana and IDS further explored how partnerships can promote such research.
The event, titled “Governing Transitions Towards Sustainable Water and Energy in Ghana: The Role of Research,” brought together speakers from civil society, local government, and research sectors. The discussions emphasised the interconnectedness of governance, equity, and evidence in addressing water and energy challenges. This event also strengthened partnerships between IDS, UoS, major Ghanaian research universities, and key development-oriented groups in Ghana.
The importance of evidence-driven WASH programming
One significant panel at the event focused on “The Role of Research in Supporting Clean Water and Sanitation in Ghana.” Hosted by Vida Duti, country director of IRC Ghana, the panel featured experts such as Dr Hikimah Baah from UoS, Adam Wahabu, Regional Director of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Department (EHSD), and Amin Yahaya, Programs Director for Integrated Action for Community Development (INTAGRAD). The discussion highlighted various challenges to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) solutions in Ghana, particularly in schools, slums, and rural areas.
The experts stressed the need for both government policies and NGO programmes to be evidence-driven and for Ghanaian voices to be central in defining WASH needs. This aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Equitable energy transitions
Another panel, moderated by Prof. Albert Ahenkan from UG, addressed “Equitable Transitions to Energy Security and Sustainability in Ghana.” Speakers, including Prof. Pete Newell from UoS, Dr Hawa Mahama from the Institute of Local Government Studies, and Mr Benjamin Boakye, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy, discussed governance and local government capacity in energy transitions. The discussions covered trust in off-grid and on-grid solutions and the equitable distribution of energy resources.
In synthesising insights from the panels, Prof. Chris Gordon from UG highlighted two key synergies. Firstly, the need for forums that convene actors from government, civil society, and research sectors. Secondly, the importance of understanding crosscutting themes of equity and sustainability that connect different thematic areas such as water, energy, and food systems through the concept of the food-water-energy nexus.
Issues such as nepotism, poor distribution, and inaccurate generalisation of WASH and energy needs hinder effective policy making and programming. The discussions emphasised the importance of inclusivity in governance processes, ensuring that public engagement and participation are central to transitions. This call for more engaged research highlights the necessity for findings to be accessible to various groups.
The role of partnerships
The event and ongoing work by the Ghana Development Hub partners demonstrate the critical role of cross-sectoral and transdisciplinary partnerships in addressing sustainability challenges. These partnerships, involving institutions within and beyond the research sector, are vital for fostering innovative thinking and sustainable, equitable transitions. By bringing together practitioners, researchers, influencers, advocates, and policy actors, these initiatives challenge existing approaches and drive progress towards sustainability in Ghana and beyond.
Connecting this work to the broader framework of the UN Global Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), underscores the global importance of these local initiatives. The collaborative efforts in Ghana serve as a model for other regions aiming to achieve sustainable development through evidence-based, inclusive, and transdisciplinary approaches.
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