Thrive is a multi-country research programme led by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) aimed at enhancing understanding of early childhood development (ECD) service delivery models. The initiative focuses on improving childhood health, nutrition, education, and overall wellbeing by exploring how ECD systems can innovate and better serve children and communities.
PDA, DRT, and ODI form the Learning Partnership for the EOY programme implemented in Ghana and Uganda. The programme aims to enhance the capacity of youth in the construction and agriculture sectors to secure jobs, grow their businesses, and access finance. The Learning Partnership develops an evidence-based understanding of young people’s needs through research, evaluation, policy analysis, knowledge sharing, and multi-sector dialogue.
PDA is part of an ITAD UK-led consortium conducting an independent 5-year evaluation of the MV Project in Northern Ghana using mixed methods. PDA undertook the qualitative components of the evaluation using Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) and Reality Check approaches. This evaluation builds on, expands, and validates the MV project’s own M&E data from both the MV site and a selected comparison site.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet – consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras lorem ipsum dolor aliquet molestie quam gravida.
Sed volutpat tellus curabitur felis dui molestie interdum pulvinar.
Suspendisse vulputate tristique urna, nec feugiat leoged volutpat tellus.
Euismod eu tempor sit amet, dictum ateu tempor sit amet, dictum at est.
This study aimed to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) providers in the Brong Ahafo Region who were using a mobile application developed by the Ghana Health Service. Funded through the Ghana Adolescent Reproductive Health (GHARH) Project, the application provides real-time updates on ASRH issues, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional in-service training programs.
Child marriage is a fundamental violation of children’s human rights and is closely linked with child trafficking and child labour. PDA was contracted by Challenging Heights to conduct research aimed at deepening the understanding of the nature and extent of child forced early marriage (CFEM) in fishing communities that serve as either source or destination areas for child trafficking.
Commissioned by the girls’ education unit of the Ghana Education Service and Camfed, this study examined gender dynamics within Junior High School governance structures. The research focused on how gendered membership, participation, and decision-making processes affect the mainstreaming of gender issues, the creation of gender-friendly school environments, and pupil retention, particularly benefiting female students.
Mauris euismod ante a mauris ultrices malesuada ivamus tempus gravida elit.
Maecenas enim velit, euismod eu tempor sit amet, dictum ateu tempor sit amet.
PDA was contracted to conduct a comprehensive community burns survey across 7 regions in Ghana (Northern, Upper East, Brong Ahafo, Ashanti, Volta, Central, and Greater Accra). The survey aimed to collect data on the incidence, knowledge, attitudes, and practices surrounding burns, with the goal of informing the development of targeted advocacy and educational materials by InterBurns
PDA was contracted by the UNHCR Ghana Office to undertake a comprehensive assessment in Krisan Camp. The study aimed to profile the socio-economic conditions of refugees, assess the protection risks they face, and evaluate livelihood options that minimize these risks. Using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, the research provided nuanced insights into how refugees acquire livelihood assets and the risks associated with pursuing normal livelihood options.
PDA led a team of 13 staff to conduct an impact evaluation of the RTIMP, executed by Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture from 2007 to 2014. Commissioned jointly by IFAD and the Ministry, the evaluation employed the Participatory Impact Assessment & Learning Approach (PIALA) using mixed methods across 300 communities in 30 districts. The project aimed to improve rural livelihoods by developing commodity chains for roots and tubers, focusing on products such as gari, high quality cassava flour, bonding cassava plywood, and fresh yam export.
PDA conducted a qualitative baseline study to investigate the trafficking of children into forced labour within Ghana’s fishing industry. The study sought to understand the mechanisms, key players, and community perceptions surrounding child trafficking and forced labour. Over 30 focus group discussions and 60 key informant interviews were carried out in 6 communities across four regions, with findings aimed at informing interventions to prevent trafficking and enhance child protection.
PDA facilitated a high-level roundtable discussion on 11th June 2015, centered on an 82-page HRW report that highlighted the use of hazardous child labor in Ghana’s unlicensed mining sector. The discussion brought together government representatives, private sector actors, NGOs, and other stakeholders to deliberate on the report’s findings and explore actionable solutions to eliminate child labor from the gold supply chain.
As part of the impact evaluation for the Root and Tuber Improvement and Marketing Programme (RTIMP), PDA co-facilitated a national sense making workshop. The workshop was designed to interpret and contextualize evidence gathered from two months of field research conducted across 25 districts in 8 regions, thereby engaging both local and national stakeholders in shaping the programme’s future direction.
PDA conducted the Ghana country study as part of ODI’s research into emerging global trends in job markets and their effects on skills development. The study examined the challenges faced by companies and the workforce in an increasingly competitive world, using a combined approach that included a literature review, interviews with multinational companies and key experts, and an in-depth analysis of trends in both Vietnam and Ghana.
nteger commodo interdum nibh eget volutpat. Mauris eleifend – in ligula vitae lorem ipsum dolor sagittis.
PDA conducted a country study on modern day slavery (MDS) in Ghana, focusing on mapping the coverage, cost, impact, and effectiveness of existing responses and interventions. The study involved extensive literature review and a series of interviews with stakeholders from government, civil society, and Ghanaian industries, culminating in a consultative workshop with over 30 representatives.
Morbi viverra mi non placerat tincidunt lectus neque bibendum turpis, at venenatis justo.
This research aimed to gather and analyze data on the inequities affecting adolescents and young people in Ghana. Focusing on laws, policies, bottlenecks in social service provision, and prevailing socio-cultural norms, the study provided evidence to guide national policy development and programming for youth. The process included extensive desk-based literature reviews, qualitative research in six regions, and the production of a final report along with six regional reports.
PDA managed an extensive national baseline study on child protection in Ghana, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods across all 10 regions. The research informed the development of the national child protection policy and the final baseline for the Government of Ghana/UNICEF Child Protection Programme. Key components included a literature review, training of 40 field researchers, regional consultation workshops, and a quantitative survey covering 3000 individuals across 100 enumeration areas.
Morbi eu rutrum risus, vel vulputate odio dictum purus vel condi mentum.
Oxford Policy Management (OPM) was contracted by FAO to assess the economic impacts of cash transfer programmes across six countries. In Ghana, the focus was on the LEAP cash transfer programme. PDA supported the study by providing two team leaders and six field researchers to conduct a qualitative assessment, exploring the economic impacts of LEAP and its synergies with other social protection programmes.
In convallis – dolor turpis a feugiat facilisis. Morbi iaculis erat posuere, congue neque in, dapibus dui.
Maecenas enim velit, euismod eu tempor sit amet, dictum at est. In placerat fringilla lorem from bibendum.
This 3-day introductory course in Impact Evaluation was co-facilitated by PDA’s Institute for Development Practice and Management (IDPM) in collaboration with the University of East Anglia, UK. As part of the IDPM’s Monitoring and Evaluation series, the course aimed to build the capacity of programme managers, desk officers, and field staff from NGOs, funding agencies, and development organizations by exploring practical and participatory approaches to monitoring and evaluation.
As part of a national child protection study, PDA facilitated regional consultative and feedback workshops across all 10 regions of Ghana. These workshops were conducted immediately before and after fieldwork in selected districts, gathering qualitative and quantitative insights from a diverse range of stakeholders. The process enriched the study by integrating additional data and enabling a comprehensive analysis of child protection issues.
Curabitur iaculis quis justo nec tincidunt etiam id elit vel ipsum nulla amet lorem.
Suspendisse vulputate tristique nec feugiat leo. Sed volutpat tellus lorem ipsum glavrida.
PDA was contracted by Coffey to evaluate the DFID-funded Ghana Election Support Programme. The evaluation focused on media monitoring, polling station observation on election day, and conducting a telephone survey of 150 polling agents to assess the programme’s effectiveness.
This research examined the challenges faced by marginalized, including migrant, girls within the Dome/Taifa community to determine the feasibility of establishing an academy. The study explored factors affecting school attendance, community reception of an academy, and potential tensions between marginalized girls and the wider community.
PDA facilitated two 2-day workshops—one in Accra and one in Tamale—for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the World Bank. The workshops engaged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Accra Plains and SADA Zone, presenting the GCAP for assessment and gathering feedback to refine both the project design and the subsequent Project Implementation Manual (PIM).
This ongoing initiative is a 3-day introductory course held in Accra, co-facilitated by PDA’s Institute for Development Practice and Management (IDPM) in partnership with guest facilitators from the Outcome Mapping Learning Community. The course attracts participants from Ghana and across Africa, introducing them to Outcome Mapping—a methodology for planning, monitoring, and evaluating development programs aimed at fostering social transformation.
This workshop examined the intersections of migration, climate, and environmental change in Ghana. Bringing together national and international experts, government officials, policy makers, civil society representatives, and academics, the workshop aimed to inform policy dialogue and practical responses to migration challenges in the context of global environmental change.
PDA was part of the team that conducted the WAFF/SWAPP Ghana Mill Survey. The survey aimed to collect data from oil palm mills across Ghana to assess operational challenges and market conditions, contributing to the sustainability of the palm–oil sector.
PDA was commissioned by IUCN to follow up on the 2009 Poverty-Forest linkage analysis by reviewing livelihood dependency on forest resources in the Wassa Amenfi West District. The study aimed to assess how forest-dependent livelihoods influence the implementation of REDD+ initiatives and to further develop a socio-economic baseline for the district.
PDA provided lead facilitation for two conventions under the STAR-Ghana initiative—a multi-donor pooled funding mechanism designed to enhance the influence of civil society and Parliament in public governance. These thematic conventions gathered approximately 200 grant partners and key stakeholders at each event to learn, share best practices, and discuss strategies for more effective governance of public goods and services.
PDA facilitated a 2-day country strategy workshop with Ibis Ghana, involving all programme staff and partner organizations. The workshop focused on assessing the current and emerging social, economic, and political landscape and collectively identifying strategic priorities for the upcoming programme period.
This project aimed to scale up quality Kindergarten education across Ghana by developing a comprehensive, fully costed 5-year operational plan. Building on earlier work—including literature reviews, stakeholder consultations, and inputs from technical working groups—the plan was designed for seamless integration into the Government of Ghana’s policy, planning, and budgeting processes.
PDA facilitated a two-day annual programme review workshop with staff and partners from Ghana Trade and Livelihoods Coalition (GTLC) and Christian Aid. The workshop provided a structured forum to review programme performance, assess challenges, and collectively chart a path forward for the coming year.
The iMPACT Project, funded by Mars Incorporated as part of the Mars Partnership for African Cocoa Communities of Tomorrow, targeted rural cocoa-dependent communities in Ghana. Piloted in 18 communities across two districts—Wasa Amenfi West (Asankrangwa) and Assin North (Assin Fosu)—the project aimed to demonstrate that an integrated approach combining agriculture, environment, education, and health can transform community incomes and welfare. By enhancing the capacity of cocoa farming communities to identify and improve their social, economic, and environmental conditions, the project sought to make cocoa farming a profitable, socially rewarding, and environmentally sustainable livelihood, while also positioning it as an attractive occupation for future generations.
PDA participated in an independent 5-year external evaluation of the Millennium Village Project in Northern Ghana, led by an ITAD UK consortium. The evaluation used mixed methods and consisted of three rounds of qualitative assessments using Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) and Reality Check approaches.
This project was part of an 18-month initiative aimed at protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse in informal gold mining communities. It was implemented in 10 communities across three districts in the Ashanti Region: Obuasi Municipality, Adansi North, and Amansie Central. The project sought to engage community members in actively reducing child exploitation by leveraging local culture, education, and research.
PDA co-facilitated a two-day stakeholder workshop for IUCN and WEDO, gathering women organizations, gender experts, and policy makers from the forestry and environment sectors. The participatory sessions generated key insights that formed the basis of a Road Map aimed at integrating gender considerations into Ghana’s REDD+ processes.
This workshop addressed the challenges of integrating small-holders into commercial agriculture in Ghana. By assessing the pros and cons of large-scale farming and socially inclusive models, the workshop aimed to propose initial principles that would inform the design of a World Bank-financed commercial agriculture project geared toward avoiding enclave investments.
Commissioned by The World Bank, this research analyzed the complex interconnections between poverty, environment, gender, and infrastructure in Ghana. The study sought to understand local perceptions of the gender-poverty-environment nexus and its interaction with infrastructure and sustainable development initiatives, aiming to identify ways to transform negative linkages into positive outcomes.
This project focused on introducing cocoa certification to farmer associations in Ghana. PDA implemented the initiative across 8 districts in the Ashanti and Western Regions by engaging with 27 associations for certification and restructuring 29 additional associations to enhance their organizational development under the EU/CSSP 2 framework.
This study aimed to understand the impact of global financial, food, and fuel crises on vulnerable Ghanaians, with a particular focus on the construction industry. It examined the loss of employment and the coping strategies adopted by affected households, highlighting the vulnerability of children in terms of child protection issues such as child labor, displacement, and family separation.
This study aimed to establish a baseline on the current status of forest forums in Ghana and to assess the capacity of Forestwatch Ghana members in engaging with forest policy, advocacy, and facilitation of forest forums. The research provided essential insights into the operational strengths and capacity gaps among stakeholders, forming a basis for future interventions and policy reforms.
PDA serves as the Local Coordinating Agency for the “Yen Daakye” (‘Our Future’) Programme, a pilot initiative targeting the elimination of the worst forms of child labour and forced labour in cocoa production and marketing. This community-driven project is part of ICI’s broader effort to create sustainable and child-centred development in cocoa farming communities. The pilot runs in three districts—New Edubiase in the Ashanti Region, and Daboase and Asankrangwa in the Western Region—through district-based NGOs acting as Implementing Partners, supported by a PDA team comprising district facilitators, a field coordinator, and a community technical consultant.
PDA was responsible for planning and facilitating the stakeholder consultation workshops, coordinating with various fisheries sector stakeholders, and synthesizing their inputs to guide policy and development plan finalization.
PDA provided technical support to GEF by mapping key social and community issues associated with the Afram-Plains plantation forestry project. This assessment aimed to identify both the potential negative impacts and the development opportunities, enabling GEF to fine-tune its project strategies and proactively address concerns raised by civil society and NGO groups.
As part of the three-year Mwananchi Programme, these residential, mostly 3-day capacity building workshops brought together staff from 11 partner civil society organizations. The workshops focused on enhancing practical skills in participatory action research, strategic planning using outcome mapping, media engagement, stakeholder linkages (including traditional authorities and parliament), and planning short advocacy videos.
PDA conducted a baseline study for CARE International’s Agriculture and Natural Resources portfolio, focusing on the AFS and FNR programmes. The study established the status of programme areas and identified capacity gaps, serving as a critical reference point for future interventions and monitoring progress.
The MWANANCHI Ghana Project is part of ODI’s five-year action-research initiative implemented across seven African countries. In Ghana, the project aimed to enhance the capacity of civil society, media, and elected representatives to access, interpret, and utilize information and communication resources effectively to shape government policy. By linking voice and accountability, the project empowered citizens to transform institutions toward greater transparency and responsiveness. Key to its strategy was the recognition that media, civil society, elected representatives, and traditional rulers are essential interlocutors in citizen-state relations. The project promoted improved use of evidence in policymaking and focused on representative engagement, policy processes, and accountability, leveraging ICT to create sustainable dialogue platforms.
PDA is part of a consortium of four organizations, led by Action Aid International Ghana, managing a five-year programme that aims to enhance citizens’ engagement with the state on social, political, economic, cultural, and civil rights issues. The initiative, known as the Civil Society Rights and Voice Initiative (RAVI), focuses on empowering civil society to engage effectively with governmental processes. PDA’s specific responsibility was the capacity building of grant partner organizations.
PDA conducted an external review of the PIWA Community Radio Programme in Senegal. This involved a desk review and semi-structured interviews with staff from both PIWA and Free Voice, as well as with PIWA representatives in all four countries of operation (Mauritania, Guinea, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone). The review assessed whether all planned programme activities had been successfully implemented.
The project aimed to double the number of community radio stations across Ghana, thereby empowering marginalized communities by giving them a platform to express their views. PDA partnered with GCRN to establish 10 community radio stations across 10 districts in the Ashanti and Western Regions, with a notable focus on 5 stations in the oil and gas districts in the Western Region.
This rapid assessment study was conducted to gather information on the potential impacts of the global economic crisis on the Ghanaian economy. The study identified the categories of Ghanaians most affected by the financial downturn, providing early insights into the economic vulnerabilities resulting from the crisis.
This project involved a baseline study on the social dimensions of climate change in Ghana within the broader context of the Economics of Adaptation. In May 2009, a Field Validation Survey was conducted in 8 selected sites across the 4 agro-ecological zones to capture people’s experiences in coping with climate variability and environmental degradation. Additionally, Participatory Scenario Development (PSD) workshops were held at both national and regional levels, where diverse stakeholders developed realistic adaptation pathways for various livelihood groups and prioritized investments for short-, medium-, and long-term adaptation.
This project supported CENSUDI, a civil society organization based in Bolgatanga, through a comprehensive change process aimed at ensuring its long-term sustainability. The focus was on developing a succession plan to transition the organization beyond its founders, enabling it to continue delivering on its mission with new leadership.
PDA co-facilitated both the Civil Society Annual Natural Resource and Environment Parallel Review meeting and the second consultative forum under KASA—the civil society component of the NREG programme. The initiative brought together diverse CSOs to synthesize their perspectives on natural resource and environmental governance and service delivery, providing an alternative review process to complement government-led sector reviews
This initiative aimed to improve the socio-economic well-being of smallholder tree crop farmers in West and Central Africa. The project focused on building capacity through demand-driven extension services in two districts (Adansi South and Sekyere East) in the Ashanti Region, where 279 farmers were trained in Integrated Crop and Pest Management (ICPM) practices using the Farmer Field School (FFS) methodology.
PDA led the consultation phase for the ODI and Partners Governance and Transparency Fund Programme, aimed at strengthening citizen demand for good governance through evidence-based approaches. This involved conducting individual interviews and coordinating a 2-day multi-stakeholder workshop with government organizations, donors, and civil society representatives to gather diverse insights on governance challenges and solutions.
The NORST-Ghana project was designed to increase access to potable water and improved sanitation services in up to 30 small towns in Ghana’s Northern Region. By designing, installing, and providing capacity building for water supply systems and sanitation facilities, the project aimed to significantly enhance public health and quality of life. PDA supported the initiative by providing specialized expertise in conflict mitigation and gender-based social inclusion.
In collaboration with Ibis Organisation Capacity Building staff, PDA designed and facilitated a two-module, 3-day residential training programme targeting key staff of ILGS and Ibis’ Public Participation in Local Governance Programme. The training focused on enhancing facilitation skills and promoting effective public engagement in local governance initiatives.
PDA facilitated a validation workshop aimed at finalizing a baseline survey report on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Ghana’s Upper East Region. The workshop enabled key stakeholders to review, validate, and refine the survey findings, ensuring that the report accurately reflected the local context and could inform subsequent DRR initiatives.
PDA facilitated a one-week orientation workshop for partners of Mars Inc. This workshop was designed to familiarize participants with Mars Inc.’s core principles, values, and the integrated development approach intended for selected cocoa communities, ensuring alignment and effective programme implementation.
PDA coordinated the planning workshop in Accra in October 2007 as part of a global EBPDN project. This workshop brought together representatives from various organizations to generate the terms of reference for a national-level research study on the effectiveness of Japanese aid in Ghana. The research, undertaken between December 2007 and March 2008, was motivated by Japan’s upcoming role as host and chair of the 2008 G8 meeting. The evidence generated was later integrated into a global synthesis report to influence policy outcomes at the TICAD and G8 meetings.
PDA coordinated the entire process—from stakeholder consultations and curriculum design to fund-raising, facilitation, and documenting the programme’s outcomes.
PDA conducted a baseline survey aimed at raising awareness among stakeholders, primary schools, and communities about disaster risks, vulnerability to hazards, and appropriate coping mechanisms. The survey was implemented across four districts in the Upper East Region to inform disaster prevention and risk reduction strategies.
PDA facilitated a workshop organized by the Ghana Community Radio Network for on-air community radios. The session was designed to review and discuss the findings of an inventory conducted by PDA on community radios across Ghana, offering insights into their capacities and areas for improvement.
PDA served as a listed service provider for the Business Advocacy Challenge Fund (BUSAC 1), offering technical support and consultancy services to business associations seeking to implement advocacy actions. The project supported four associations in addressing key sector challenges through tailored advocacy proposals, ultimately enhancing stakeholder dialogue and policy engagement.
For a 6-country survey commissioned by DFID, PDA managed the Ghana component by identifying 50 top-level “well informed people” across five stakeholder groups (government, parliament, civil service, civil society, and private sector). The survey used a structured questionnaire administered online, with the aim of capturing perceptions on the effectiveness of multilateral organizations.
The Voices from the Land Project was implemented under CARE International’s Security in Land Tenure Project (SLATE). This pilot initiative focused on examining land access challenges faced by poor land users through a comprehensive literature review and community-level dialogues. Pilot activities were conducted in two districts in the Greater Accra region and two in the Upper West, in collaboration with partner organization CIKOD. The project aimed to support national civil society advocacy, ensuring that Ghana’s land policy incorporates mechanisms for equitable security of land tenure.
PDA provided the Team Leader for this pilot project aimed at increasing civil society involvement in forestry policy decisions. Working with FRR in the UK, PDA assumed in-country management responsibility for CSF, supporting a Fund Administrator who hosted the CSF Coordinator. The facility targeted grassroots organisations within three Forest Districts in Ghana—Kade, Sunyani, and Asankragua—to mobilise marginalised groups through capacity building in advocacy, negotiation, communication, and lobbying skills. Additionally, the project focused on enhancing accountability and transparency within the forest sector across government, industry, and civil society.
PDA served as the lead facilitator for RAVI’s Annual Learning Festivals, events that gathered over 200 participants from civil society and government organizations in Ghana. These festivals provided a dynamic forum for learning, sharing best practices, and fostering partnerships to enhance advocacy and civic engagement.
PDA facilitated the strategic planning process for Right to Play’s West and Central Africa teams, spanning seven countries. The process aimed to build a shared vision and operational roadmap for regional activities, aligning diverse teams on strategic priorities and future actions.
PDA co-facilitated a 5-day course aimed at enhancing the facilitation skills of 25 CARE staff and partners. The course focused on methodologies for community empowerment, tailored to support the CARE Agricultural and Natural Resources programme in fostering effective community-led initiatives.
PDA facilitated a 5-day introductory workshop designed for newly selected RAVI grant partners. The workshop focused on rights-based approaches, power dynamics, and strategies for effective citizen government engagement, aiming to equip partners with the tools needed for impactful advocacy.
PDA coordinated a regional workshop and national seminar that brought together civil society participants from Ghana and Nigeria. The event introduced the ODI ‘Civil Society Partnership Programme’ and explored how evidence can be used to influence policy, highlighting best practices and challenges in evidence-based advocacy.
PDA facilitated a three-day workshop with RUMNET staff and key stakeholders at regional and community levels to review and refine an existing strategic plan. The session was designed to ensure that the plan remained responsive to current challenges and opportunities.
PDA undertook two inception studies for the DFID-funded RAVI (Rights and Voice Initiative) during its early phase. One study resulted in a comprehensive directory of existing funding opportunities for civil society in Ghana, while the other investigated various citizen–government engagement activities taking place in the country.
PDA facilitated a 3-day workshop focused on proposal and report writing for 20 regional representatives of the GNECC. The workshop was designed to build the capacity of participants to effectively articulate and document project ideas and outcomes.
PDA facilitated a workshop for the CARE ANR Programme focused on building constructive and sustainable organisational relationships. The session explored strategies for developing, managing, and monitoring mutually beneficial partnerships.
PDA worked with two community radio stations—members of the Ghana Community Radio Network—to develop their facilitation skills. The initiative was aimed at empowering these stations to better engage communities in natural resource management dialogues.
PDA acted as one of the main facilitators in a World Cafe session focused on exploring the role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the 2004 elections. The interactive format encouraged participants to share experiences and debate strategies for effective CSO involvement in electoral processes.
CIFS was a 6-year bilateral programme designed to enhance food security in northern Ghana through sustainable, community-driven initiatives. Funded by CIDA and implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, the project operated in 10 districts. It emphasized capacity building and cross-district learning, demonstrating that integrating community-led initiatives into existing district planning frameworks can yield lasting improvements in food security.
PDA co-moderated two one-day stakeholder consultation workshops in Kumasi and Accra. The sessions were designed to generate comprehensive responses to the EU country strategy by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
PDA facilitated the third tier (1 day) of a three-tier (5-day) National Workshop on Bushfire Policy. The session brought together participants from four pilot communities, government departments, research institutions, NGOs, and policy makers for an intensive policy dialogue on bushfire management.
PDA contributed as a researcher to a Value of Time Study aimed at understanding how time is valued by communities, particularly in the Northern Region of Ghana, in relation to transport decision-making. This study was part of a broader multi-country analysis.
PDA facilitated two workshops in the southern and middle zones of Ghana to introduce prospective participants to the DFID-funded Global School Partnerships Programme. The sessions were designed to familiarize educators and school administrators with the programme’s objectives and operational framework.
PDA designed a comprehensive survey aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of MOFA target groups regarding HIV/AIDS. The survey evaluated the effectiveness of MOFA’s HIV/AIDS activities and identified strategies to enhance these interventions through agricultural extension agents
This study served as a first step towards integrating HIV/AIDS into the GTZ/MLGRD Local Governance Poverty Reduction Support Programme (LG-PRSP). Conducted across six districts in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions, the study aimed to map existing HIV/AIDS interventions by identifying who was involved, what activities were being conducted, where, and how. Interviews were carried out with diverse stakeholders from public, private, and civil society organizations—including people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs)—to inform further mainstreaming efforts.
PDA facilitated a sub-regional conference aimed at identifying strategies to win governmental recognition for community radio. The conference focused on articulating the importance of community radio and advocating for the establishment of enabling legislative and regulatory frameworks to support its role as the third media sector.
As an associate of CIKOD, PDA participated in an inventory exercise to document indigenous institutions—political, social, economic, religious, etc.—around which communities are organized. This exercise aimed to highlight institutions that external development agents often overlook, providing a basis for developing strategies to support their organizational development.
PDA coordinated a baseline survey for the Takoradi Technical Institute HIV/AIDS Peer Education Programme. The project involved training a research team in Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) methods, managing a quantitative survey, and compiling a report on the baseline findings. The insights were used to support a proposal submission to the Ghana HIV/AIDS Accelerated Response Fund (GARFUND) and to refine peer educators’ training and reference materials.
PDA moderated a workshop designed to refine the project design and partnership framework for the Western and Ashanti Region STI/HIV/AIDS Project. The workshop brought together regional stakeholders to review project approaches and to forge effective partnerships for improved service delivery
PDA facilitated a strategic planning workshop for CARE International’s Agricultural and Natural Resources Programme. The workshop brought together key programme stakeholders to review the current operational framework and to develop a forward-looking strategic roadmap for enhancing programme impact.
PDA moderated a retreat for national-level stakeholders involved in the HIV/AIDS District Response Initiative. The retreat aimed to foster dialogue among policymakers, programme managers, and civil society representatives to enhance the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS interventions at the district level.
PDA conducted a study on the formation of a civil society platform to support the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy. The research led to the development of a concept paper for GAPVOD and its partners, outlining strategies for enhanced civil society engagement in national poverty reduction efforts.
PDA supported Ibis Ghana’s Organization Capacity Building programme by embedding a dedicated staff member in a four-person monitoring and evaluation team. This team convened annually to review the programme’s performance, ensuring that continuous, evidence-based improvements were implemented to enhance organizational effectiveness.
PDA facilitated a workshop focused on de-stigmatising HIV/AIDS, aiming to foster a more inclusive and supportive society for people living with HIV/AIDS. The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges, share best practices, and develop strategies to reduce stigma and promote public understanding.
This study aimed to identify the conditions necessary for improving cooperation between traditional authorities and district/sub-district institutions within Ghana’s local government system. By strengthening these relationships, the project sought to enhance effective community governance.
PDA facilitated an inter-ministerial workshop aimed at developing a multi-sectoral strategy to provide comprehensive, sustainable, and integrated services to communities living on the islands of the Volta Lake. The workshop brought together representatives from various government ministries to coordinate service delivery
PDA facilitated a workshop focused on designing a methodology for assessing the capacity of community-based organizations (CBOs) in the Wenchi District. This initiative aimed to develop a robust framework to evaluate CBO performance, ultimately guiding capacity-building efforts.
This assessment evaluated the effectiveness of Danida’s poverty reduction strategy in Ghana across key sectors, including water, transport, health, and business, during the 1998-2002 strategic period. The study provided a comprehensive review of progress, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.
PDA facilitated a strategic planning workshop with the staff of the Special Education Unit of the Ministry of Education. The workshop was designed to help the team clarify its vision, align strategic priorities, and set a roadmap for enhancing special education services.
This study was conducted as part of Christian Aid’s national strategic planning process in Ghana. The review aimed to assess past and ongoing initiatives, evaluate their effectiveness, and inform the organization’s future strategic direction.
PDA facilitated a programme review workshop for participants in the School Linking Programme. The workshop aimed to assess programme performance, capture participant feedback, and identify areas for improvement to strengthen school partnerships.
This study explored key issues related to marriage and child maintenance in Ghanaian communities, using participatory research approaches to understand local concerns and legal challenges.
PDA facilitated a focused workshop aimed at developing a comprehensive proposal for implementing a monitoring and evaluation framework for the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy. The workshop brought together key stakeholders to outline an M&E approach that would enhance accountability, assess impact, and inform future poverty reduction initiatives.
This study assessed the feasibility of establishing a national volunteer programme in Ghana. PDA conducted extensive consultations to determine the level of interest, potential impact, and operational framework required for a successful initiative.
This initiative launched gNETPAD in September 2001 to foster participatory development across Ghana. PDA has continuously supported the network by hosting its secretariat and organizing innovative engagement events, including a series of five national Open Space Technology events designed to generate dynamic dialogue and disseminate participatory practices.
This study examined effective strategies for implementing and monitoring poverty reduction programmes at the district level. Using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods, the study identified best practices for improving local development initiatives.
PDA facilitated a national workshop that convened key health sector stakeholders—including government officials, donor representatives, and civil society leaders—to discuss and enhance the participation and financing mechanisms of CSOs in the health sector. The workshop aimed to create a more inclusive environment and develop innovative financing solutions to empower CSOs in influencing health policy and service delivery.
This national study aimed to explore the challenges and opportunities for promoting women’s rights within Ghana’s pluralistic legal system. Using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods, the study engaged communities, legal professionals, and advocacy groups to assess the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks in protecting women’s rights.
This consultancy initiative supported Save the Children in developing the Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights. Through a series of facilitated processes—including concept paper development, stakeholder consultations, and group discussions—the project aimed to build a strategic framework that would enhance advocacy for reproductive health rights in Ghana.
