The Office of Grants and Research (OGR), in collaboration with the Registrar’s Office, has organised a two-day Grant Proposal Writing Workshop bringing together senior administrative staff from across the University to strengthen institutional capacity in grant writing, proposal development and project management.
Addressing participants, the Registrar of KNUST, Mr. Benjamin Owusu Boampong, underscored the growing importance of grantsmanship in higher education and called on administrative leaders to take a more active role in securing external funding and strategic partnerships.
Mr. Owusu Boampong stressed that resource mobilisation could no longer be regarded as the exclusive responsibility of academic staff, noting that administrators have a critical role to play in championing initiatives that advance the University’s strategic priorities.
“Resource mobilisation is no longer the preserve of academic staff alone. As Registrars and administrators, we have a responsibility not only to facilitate these processes but also to champion initiatives that attract external funding and partnerships to advance the strategic priorities of the University”, he said.
He encouraged participants to translate the skills acquired during the workshop into action within their respective colleges, directorates and units, noting that the true measure of the workshop’s success would be its practical application.
Director of the Office of Grants and Research, Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, highlighted the critical role of high-quality grant proposals in advancing research, innovation and institutional growth.
He guided participants through the essential elements of developing compelling and competitive grant applications, with particular emphasis on clarity, rigour and measurable impact.
Mrs. Hannah Adom Eyison of the OGR provided practical insights into the research grant lifecycle and available funding opportunities, covering proposal development, project implementation and reporting requirements.
Dr. Linda Nana Esi Aduku led discussions on proposal submission requirements, outlining key technical and administrative considerations that improve the competitiveness of grant applications.
She encouraged participants to adhere closely to funder guidelines and institutional policies in developing their submissions.
Prof. (Mrs.) Adwoa Bemah Boamah Mensah, Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing, drew on her own grantsmanship experience to highlight mentorship, collaboration, networking and professional visibility as essential factors in building a sustainable grant portfolio.
“Successful grants do not happen in isolation. They are built through strong networks, strategic collaborations and consistent effort.”, she said.
In a practical session on concept note development, Dr. Nadia Tagoe, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Global Health, challenged participants to identify pressing institutional and societal problems and develop them into fundable proposals aligned with both funder priorities and real-world needs.
Mr. Amos Ato Eghan, Accountant at the OGR, emphasised on realistic budgeting, compliance with donor requirements and the importance of transparency and accuracy in the justification of project costs.
Mrs. Patricia Amoah Yirenkyi, Grants and Research Manager at the OGR, introduced participants to digital tools that support effective grant management, covering project planning, budget monitoring, document management, reporting systems and risk management.
She described research administrators as essential partners in the research ecosystem, noting that strong research administration is fundamental to institutional competitiveness.
The workshop forms part of KNUST’s broader efforts to build grantsmanship capacity across the University.
The Office of Grants and Research continues to equip both academic and administrative staff with the knowledge and skills required to secure funding, support impactful research and advance KNUST’s strategic vision.