About the Institute

UPDI is a civil society organization that seeks to contribute to the national development discourse and debates, asking critical questions and illuminating subject matters that are dear to the heart of many Ghanaians in particular, Africans and the international community. The analytical focus of the think institute are people-centered policy advocacy for sustainable huma development.

In Human Development discourse, it is often said that the true wealth of a nation are her people. From philosophers such as Adam Smith, Aristotle, Socrates, John Lock to Amartya Sen and ancient religious texts (Maitreyee in Sanskrit, Christ in the Bible), as well as the UNDP, the fundamental question of the ends and means of development policy are really established as the people.

People shape the physical and social world through their activities and at the same time, people’s wellbeing are the ultimate goal for which everything is made or done. In our quest for national development and prosperity, this ultimate focus is often lost and hence the dissonance in society.

UPDI therefore seeks to provide a platform through which community engagement and the voice of the people are elevated, leading to the provision of insights related to the impact of governmental action and policy while at the same time, adopting scientific research methods and factual analyses by our team of Research Fellows to frame the issues for proper contextualization and public consumption.

The results are then channeled through publications, advocacy and community action for the purposes of making society and people better off.

In essence, we work through Community Engagement and People’s Voices; Research; Advocacy; Provide and Support Activities or Community Action.

Our specific activities encompass but not limited to training and capacity building on citizen journalism, educational outreach on governmental policies, and livelihood training skills including frequent media engagement and tools.

Our Vision

The vision of Upsilon Pi Delta Institute (UPDI) is to foster a society where the wellbeing and interests of people are at the forefront of national development. We envision a future where human security, human rights, justice, and good governance are prioritized and upheld.

Through community engagement, research, and advocacy, we strive to create an inclusive and just society that ensures freedom from fear and want, promotes the fulfillment of human rights, and maximizes the positive impact of national development policies and practices.

As UPDI, we aim to be a catalyst for positive change, illuminating critical issues and generating insightful dialogue to shape a better future for Ghana, Africa, and the global community.

Our Misson

The mission of the Upsilon Pi Delta Institute (UPDI) is to prioritize the needs and wellbeing of people by contributing to national development through critical analysis, community engagement, and advocacy.

We aim to elevate the voices of the people, provide insight on the impact of governmental actions and policies, and promote human security, human rights, justice, and good governance.

Through research, publications, and community action, we strive to foster a society that is better informed and where the wellbeing of all citizens is upheld.

Our Modus Operandi

UPDI seeks to provide a platform through which community engagement and the voice of the people are elevated, leading to the provision of insight on impact of governmental action and policy while at the same time, adopting scientific research methods and factual analysis by our in-house team and Fellows to frame the issues for proper contextualization and public consumption.

The results are then channeled through publications, advocacy and community action for the purposes of making society and her people better off.

In essence we work through Community Engagement and People’s Voices; Research; Advocacy; Provide and Support Activities or Community Action.

Our specific activities encompass but not limited to training and capacity building on citizen journalism, educational outreaches on governmental policies, and livelihood training skills and frequent media engagement and tools.

Our Programme Areas

a. Human Security

How are stakeholders, duty bearers ensure that people’s freedom from fear and want- Hunger and Security are upheld?

b. Human Rights and Justice

How are agencies in the justice delivery system fulfilling Chapter 5 of the 1992 Constitution? – the Courts, Police, Attorney General’s Department, The Prisons Service.

c. National Development and Governance

How do specific policies and the management of the national account, both fiscal and monetary as well as the physical, spatial and social spaces affect the wellbeing of citizens through major policy planks such as education, agriculture, and the extractive industries being managed?