Digital Communities as Informal Support Systems for Postgraduate Students: Insights from the University of Ghana

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56059/n7rtk887

Keywords:

digital communities, postgraduate students, informal support systems, academic engagement, psychological well-being, higher education in Africa

Abstract

This study explored how students’ experiences within social media-based digital communities support postgraduate students at the University of Ghana, where academic pressure and social isolation are common. Through semi-structured interviews with 18 students active on WhatsApp, Telegram, and LinkedIn, the research found that these platforms offer academic, informational, technical, and emotional support via resource sharing, collaborative problem-solving, networking, and peer encouragement. Participants reported improved research engagement, skill development, and reduced loneliness, particularly in relation to thesis writing, proposals, exams, and academic networking. Although limited to one institution and focused mainly on research-related activities, the findings highlight the value of low-cost, accessible digital peer networks in resource-constrained settings. The study contributes to Open and Distance Learning (ODL) by demonstrating how such communities can enhance learner retention, connectedness, and well-being, offering practical insights for strengthening informal support systems in higher education beyond the Ghanaian context.

Author Biographies

  • Abigail A. Aryeh-Adjei, University of Ghana

    Abigail A. Aryeh-Adjei is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Adult Education and Human Resource Studies, School of Continuing and Distance Education, University of Ghana. She holds a PhD in Community Development and Management from China Agricultural University, an MPhil in Agricultural Extension, and a BSc in Crop Science from the University of Ghana. Her research focuses on adult education, community development, technology-enabled teaching and learning, sustainable education, and educational policy and leadership. She has published widely on digital learning, university-community engagement, and educational technology in African contexts and has led and collaborated on research projects. Email: aaryeh-adjei@ug.edu.gh (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0767-9100)

  • Johnny Andoh-Arthur

    Johnny Andoh-Arthur is an Associate Professor of Social and Community Psychology, and the Examinations Officer at the Department of Psychology, University of Ghana where he teaches courses both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He researches the mental health of men and young persons and also on social cognition, culture, religion and health. He has published about 60 scientific papers as book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles and has presented his works at local and international conferences. He obtained both his PhD (Health Science) and MPhil (Human Development) from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Psychology with Political Science (First Class Honors) from the University of Ghana. He is a Licensed Community Psychologist with the Ghana Psychological Council. Email: jandoh-arthur@ug.edu.gh (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7036-1835)

  • Samuel Afotey Anang

    Samuel Afotey Anang is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Energy and Natural Resources and lectures at the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, a master’s in Agricultural Extension and a PhD in Agricultural Economics and Management. He currently lectures in various courses in agricultural economics and community development and does research in the same fields. Email: samuel.anang@uenr.edu.gh (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5170-1099)

  • Alvin Isaac Amoah

    Alvin Isaac Amoah is a Lecturer in Agricultural Extension at the University of Ghana, Legon, with over 20 years of experience in teaching, research, consultancy, and agricultural development. He holds a PhD, MPhil, and BSc in Agricultural Extension from the University of Ghana. His expertise spans agricultural extension, rural development, youth entrepreneurship, gender inclusion, sustainable livelihoods, agricultural value chains, and climate-smart agriculture. He teaches courses in development communication, extension methods, rural livelihoods, food security, and participatory rural development, while supervising graduate and undergraduate research. He has led and contributed to numerous agricultural development projects, including farmer training programmes on good agricultural practices and improved crop technologies. He has collaborated with organisations such as AGRA and IFDC, to conduct research on agricultural value chains, fertiliser systems, gender dynamics, and agricultural policy impacts. Beyond academia, he has facilitated capacity-building programmes and workshops across Ghana and West Africa on gender and agriculture, value chain development, e-extension, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship. He also serves as a trainer and manager with the Leventis Foundation Farmers’ Training Programme at the University of Ghana, mentoring young people in agribusiness and entrepreneurship. Email: iaamoah@ug.edu.gh (https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2245-2970)

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Published

2026-09-21

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026): ISSUE 3

Section

Case Studies

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Abigail A. Aryeh-Adjei, Johnny Andoh-Arthur, Samuel Afotey Anang , Alvin Isaac Amoah

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How to Cite

Aryeh-Adjei, A. A., Andoh-Arthur, J., Anang , S. A., & Amoah, A. I. (2026). Digital Communities as Informal Support Systems for Postgraduate Students: Insights from the University of Ghana. Journal of Learning for Development, 13(3), 563-573. https://doi.org/10.56059/n7rtk887