This past summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend three months as a Research Analyst Intern with the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). CDD-Ghana is a non-governmental organization and research think tank dedicated to promoting good governance and strengthening democracy across the African continent.
I discovered the position through McGill’s Arts Internship Office (AIO). I applied first to the AIO, and my application was later forwarded to CDD-Ghana directly. The interview process with the CDD-Ghana recruitment team was seamless and I was ready to start my internship by the beginning of May, 2024.
During my time at CDD-Ghana, I was asked to score the election outcomes of the most recent general elections in Angola, Nigeria, and Egypt, focusing on two variables: Free and Fair Executive Elections and Opposition Participation in Executive Elections. For the Ibrahim Index of African Governance assignment, I worked under the supervision of Mavis Zupork Dome, a Research Analyst at CDD-Ghana. Her work is centered around policy analysis, especially on women’s empowerment.
I was also asked to draft a report on the role of foreign powers in West and Central Africa, which was supervised by Emmanuel Yeboah. The study focused on post-2020 realities in the Sahel region to highlight the economic downturn that followed the COVID-19 pandemic.
In my role as a Research Analyst Intern, I was introduced to the world of data collection and analysis for an external organization. Data cleaning, a skill I had previously only explored academically, became a significant part of my work. This role not only expanded my knowledge of data analysis, but also introduced me to the complexities of integrating quantitative and qualitative analysis.
The internship was research-intensive, and I emerged from the experience with a deepened understanding of the tangible impact of well-researched policy, and its ability to inform and influence societal challenges. The role demanded a high level of attention to detail, persistence, and effective time management. My supervisors held me accountable and provided consistent feedback to refine my analytical skills. Their guidance and unwavering support encouraged my professional growth while pushing me to produce high-quality work and results.
As I move from this internship to my studies, I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to CDD-Ghana’s important work, while expanding my knowledge of democratic governance and building my research skills in a professional setting. This experience was unlike any other, and allowed me to explore my interest in sub-Saharan African politics with an organization committed to advancing equitable and effective governance. I extend a heartfelt and special thanks to everyone at CDD-Ghana who played a role in making this summer an unforgettable one!
Nkwanzi Banage, BA in Political Science, McGill University, Canada
