Agnes Ackon

MPhil Sociology candidate at the University of Cape Coast and recent Best Graduating Student in Sociology with extensive research and fieldwork experience spanning community development, gender equity, and social policy. Proven ability to design and execute community needs assessments, including a full Problem and Objective Tree analysis for a rural community, while rigorously observing traditional protocols. Trained in qualitative and quantitative methods with strong analytical skills (SPSS, NVivo, R & Excel).

Experienced in research administration, proposal writing, and stakeholder engagement. A versatile, academically-driven graduate ready to contribute across research, community engagement, social performance, or administrative functions.

Fieldwork & Research Assistant - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded Project, University of Cape Coast - Ghana

(2025-07)

• Designed and conducted structured interviews and surveys, managing large datasets and performing statistical analysis using SPSS.
• Supported training and coordinated logistics for research teams, ensuring accurate and efficient data collection.
• Transcribed, coded, and analysed qualitative data, contributing to a policy brief designed to inform potential reforms by the Ghana Education Service.

Research Administrative Assistant (National Service) - Directorate of Research, Innovation & Consultancy (DRIC), University of Cape Coast - Ghana

(2024-10 - 2025-10)

• Supported strategic research projects aligned with Ghana's development agenda, conducting literature reviews and contributing to grant-winning proposals using evidence-based analysis.
• Drafted reports, proposals, and professional correspondence for institutional and external stakeholders, translating research findings into actionable recommendations.
• Managed administrative and academic operations, including official correspondence, email communications, and scheduling, ensuring smooth execution of research initiatives.

Field Research Fellow - Department of Sociology & Anthropology, University of Cape Coast - Ghana

(2024-09 - 2024-12)

Societal Understanding of Domestic Violence Against Men: A Qualitative Study in Apewosika, Ghana, Supervised by Prof. Daniel Fiaveh

• Conducted an original, theory-based qualitative study using Masculinity and Social Learning Theories to explore societal views on domestic violence against men.
• Applied an exploratory design with semi-structured interviews, thematic analysis, and non-probability sampling to gather and interpret complex social data.
• Revealed how masculinity norms and stigma affect male victims' help-seeking behaviour, proposing gender-inclusive policy recommendations aligned with national equity goals.

Research Assistant - University of Cape Coast - Ghana

(2024-01 - 2024-12)

Behind the Scenes: Young Women and Gender-Based Inequalities in Africa's Creative Sector Project (Principal Investigator: Prof. Georgina Yaa Oduro)

• Assisted in coordinating field activities and stakeholder engagements within Ghana's creative sector.
• Conducted qualitative data collection and analysis on gender inequities affecting women in creative industries.
• Contributed to developing gender-sensitive recommendations that promote equity, inclusion, and empowerment for young women in Africa's creative economy.

Community Needs Assessment Lead - Community-based - Akotokyir, Cape Coast

(2024-01 - 2024-12)

Needs Assessment on Access to Clean Water, Sanitation, and Environmental Sustainability

• Spearheaded a comprehensive community needs assessment, rigorously observing all traditional community entry protocols (formally engaging chiefs, elders, and local assembly representatives) to secure trust and participatory buy-in.
• Facilitated focus group discussions and participatory sessions with diverse community demographics to identify core challenges related to water access, sanitation, and environmental sustainability.
• Applied Problem Tree Analysis to systematically map root causes, central issues, and cascading consequences of water and sanitation deficits in the community.
• Developed a corresponding Objective/Solution Tree to design practical, sustainable, and culturally appropriate intervention strategies.
• Synthesized qualitative and quantitative findings into a structured report, providing actionable policy recommendations for local governance and social development agencies.

Research Intern - Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD), University of Cape Coast - Ghana

(2023-01 - 2023-12)

• Assisted in advocacy campaigns addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) and student harassment on campus, contributing to initiatives that promoted student safety and well-being.
• Supported gender-based research and community sensitisation programmes, including data collection, documentation, and stakeholder engagement on gender equity and empowerment.
• Collaborated with staff to develop awareness materials and organise campus dialogues aimed at promoting gender inclusion and preventing sexual harassment.

Secretary - Support, Educate, Screen, and Advocate (SESA) Initiative - Ghana

(2025-07)

• Coordinate programs like girl child education, supporting underserved children in rural communities in Ghana.
• Support research-informed advocacy on access to education and social equity.

Volunteer - BCIL Foundation, University of Cape Coast - Ghana

(2025-01)

• Support in coordinating workshops on balancing social life with academics to enhance first-year students' academic and social integration.

Social Work Volunteer - Human Service Trust - Cape Coast, Ghana

(2022-01 - 2024-12)

• Provided one-on-one counselling and advocacy for adolescent girls affected by early pregnancy, guiding them toward education reintegration and vocational skill training.
• Co-facilitated "Women in Transition" empowerment sessions that promoted entrepreneurship among widows and single mothers, helping them develop self-sufficiency and agency in decision-making.

Master of Philosophy - Sociology - University of Cape Coast (2025-11)

Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences (Sociology) - University of Cape Coast (2020-01 - 2024-12)