Centre for Policy Scrutiny launches award for best UG Economics student

The Centre for Policy Scrutiny (CPS) has officially launched a five-year award scheme dedicated to recognizing the top-performing Economics student at the University of Ghana's Accra City Campus. Introduced on November 4, 2026, the initiative aims to incentivize academic excellence and build a bridge between university education and practical policy research. Each year’s recipient will be awarded a brand-new laptop and a cash prize, marking a significant commitment by the policy tank to support the next generation of economists.

During the launch ceremony, Prof. Clement Appah, the Principal of the University of Ghana Accra City Campus, lauded the initiative as a vital contribution to student development. He emphasized that such partnerships are crucial for motivating students to achieve higher academic standards. Prof. Appah also called on other corporate and research organizations to follow the lead of the CPS by investing in the potential of students, noting that such support often makes a transformative difference in their academic journeys.

The Executive Director of the CPS, Dr. Adu Owusu Sarkodie, explained that the award is rooted in the belief that nurturing current students is essential for securing high-quality national leadership in the future. By providing tangible rewards for academic success, the CPS hopes to foster a culture of meritocracy and rigorous study. Dr. Sarkodie noted that the organization, which was established in 2025 to enhance public policy research in Ghana, views this collaboration as a way to integrate academic insights with the practicalities of policy scrutiny and formulation.

As the five-year program begins, it sets a precedent for how specialized research institutions can engage directly with academic departments to shape future professionals. The partnership is expected to not only benefit individual students but also to enhance the visibility of the Economics program at the Accra City Campus. This award scheme serves as a reminder of the growing role that private and non-governmental policy bodies play in the Ghanaian educational landscape, ensuring that academic success is met with professional recognition and support.