The Office of Grants and Research (OGR) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has ended a three-day intensive training programme to build the skills of project managers and research administrators in grant management.

Held in collaboration with the IREX Catch Them Young Project, the workshop aimed to strengthen grant management systems, align them with global best practices and meet changing funder requirements.

Amos Ato Eghan, Project Accountant, led a detailed discussion on the processes for effective grant award close-out, stressing that procurement is a shared responsibility among all project members.

He highlighted the importance of strong budgeting, accurate accounting, timely financial reporting and proper auditing to maintain transparency and meet donor expectations.

“Auditors are friends; they are here to review our records and add value to our reports,” he said, while outlining common risks and audit concerns.

Emmanuel Kwasi Debrah, Head of the Digital Communications Section at the University Relations Office urged project managers to set up dedicated communication teams including photographers, audiovisual specialists, graphic designers and writers, to ensure projects are well-documented and effectively promoted.

According to him, effective dissemination raises visibility, increases impact, fosters collaboration and strengthens accountability to funders.

Citing examples from previous projects, Mr. Debrah explained how targeted communication can shape policy, attract partnerships and build the university’s reputation.

Mrs. Hannah Adom Eyison, Grants and Research Manager at OGR, outlined common challenges facing project managers and administrators at KNUST, including procurement delays, poor coordination and non-compliance with donor reporting requirements.

She called for early planning, regular progress tracking and stronger collaboration between finance, procurement and research teams to keep projects on time and within budget.