Growing up in West and Central Africa, I witnessed how development and corruption levels directly impacted governance and quality of life. This
This summer, I interned virtually with CDD-Ghana as a research analyst. I chose this internship to apply my academic knowledge and theories learned in class to real-world situations. Additionally, I was eager to contribute to an African-based independent think tank engaging in social and political mobilization. Thus, interning with CDD-Ghana was a clear choice. Hence, I embarked on this journey to explore policy analysis, enhance my research skills, and understand how civil society actors like think tanks can drive change.
CDD-Ghana is a non-partisan think tank committed to promoting democracy, good governance, and inclusive development in Ghana and across Africa through public accountability and transparency. The organization focuses on bridging the gap between research and practice through evidence-based research, empowering ideas, and disseminating public surveys to enhance peaceful, well-governed democracies in African nations.
During my internship, I worked under the International Desk to explore the global dimensions of African politics. This experience was particularly rewarding as it coincided with a crucial time for West Africa, where democratic values and civil society engagement are urgently needed amid a shifting multipolar order. With foreign influence rising and a coup wave threatening democracy, analyzing these dynamics is vital for promoting good governance. Part of my tasks included creating a baseline study to track foreign engagement in the Sahel, writing a literature review on West Africa's geostrategic importance, and developing a memo on electoral reform in Ghana.
Highlights of my experience include co-authoring published articles on the political transitions in coup-hit countries and writing recommendations for key stakeholders, including the military juntas. This project allowed me to contribute my perspective on the security situation in the region and learn professional article writing. I also drafted a presentation outline on the AES countries鈥� withdrawal from ECOWAS, which was later presented to civil society stakeholders and policymakers by my supervisor. As political developments unfolded, I regularly updated my papers, deepening my engagement and motivating me to explore solutions. This enriched my learning experience.
Overall, this internship deepened my passion for democracy, capacity-building, and policy analysis, demonstrating the real-world impact of research and solidifying my desire to pursue a career in this field. It sharpened my data analysis skills and confirmed my passion for political science. This experience profoundly enriched my academic journey, providing valuable insights into policy dissemination, the process of engaging policymakers, and the balance between theory and practice in my field. I now have a clearer vision of the potential impact of my degree and I鈥檝e explored how civil society can strategize to drive change in the face of rising authoritarian regimes in the Sahel.
Although I did not receive academic credits for this internship, this opportunity was made possible by the generous Tania Zouikin Award, which allowed me to fully commit to this experience without needing additional work, enabling me to focus on research I am passionate about. For this, I am incredibly grateful.
