By Francis
Copyright thebftonline
The Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies (MITDS) has graduated 11 students with Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Development and Culture after completing a four-year programme.
The seventh graduation ceremony, held at the institute’s campus in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, marked another milestone for MITDS, which is affiliated with the University for Development Studies (UDS).
President of MITDS, Professor David Millar, said the institute would soon roll out new PhD programmes to strengthen indigenous knowledge systems and address development challenges from an African perspective. These include Contemporary Development Communication Studies, Indigenous Technology and Innovation Studies, Gender and Generational Learning, Decolonisation and Heritage Studies, among others.
Professor Millar also highlighted MITDS’s research contributions, citing the Grass Charcoal Briquette (GARWASI) Project, which replaces tree-based charcoal with sustainable grass briquettes. The project has attracted interest from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Other innovations include producing brown paper and biochar from local grasses to enhance soil fertility.
He said such projects could support the emergence of a grass-based industry in northern Ghana, turning grass from a nuisance into an economic resource while helping combat climate change through carbon sequestration.
Chairman of the MITDS Council, Naa Ganglaar Bog-Belagr Tater V, announced that the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) had reaccredited MITDS to continue running postgraduate programmes. He called on government, corporate bodies and philanthropists to support the institute with improved infrastructure, including a modern library, ICT facilities and a conference hall.
Since its inception, MITDS has produced more than 37 PhD graduates alongside other postgraduates, many of whom are contributing to national development.
The event was attended by academics, traditional leaders, dignitaries and community members, who joined to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class.
