38 - Advancing Research Ethics Governance and Administration in Ghana

Background:  In Ghana, Research Ethics Committees (RECs) were non-existent until the year 2000. There are currently 32 RECs. REC Administrators lacked the requisite knowledge and skills to manage ethical research governance in the institutions. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of RECs in the country were not harmonised. No platform existed for REC administrators.

Program

Description:  An association for administrators of research ethics committees was established in the country in 2013 to create a platform for networking among its members, harmonize SOPs, organize annual conferences/seminars and, above all, sensitize its members and the public to adhere to higher ethical research standards and to call for the professionalization of administration of RECs in the country. The organization is composed of all REC administrators, their assistants, and persons interested in ensuring effective and efficient governance and administration of research ethics in the country. The Association has organized SOPs harmonization workshops for members and chairpersons of RECs, educational seminars/trainings/workshops, and training of REC members and newly appointed REC administrators, particularly, creating a platform for hands-on training/internship for members. The Associationhas been instrumental in developing a framework for the establishment of a national research ethics board. It also engages in public and community education on ethical conduct of research.

Program

Assessment:  Since its establishment, the Associationhas been successful in serving as an umbrella body for all REC administrators in the country. Through the this vehicle, REC administrators’ knowledge and skills in research ethics administration have been enhanced. Formation of the association has harmonised operations of REC in the country to a very large extent. Members now have a common platform and mouthpiece where they are able to contribute to national discourse on research ethics governance and also contribute to key policies and frameworks for research ethics. With a pool of experienced REC administrators, the Association is now able to organise onboarding trainings for new RECs and their administrators. Membership cuts across the country and so makes the Association present everywhere in the country to provide the needed services. Through our advocacy and lobbying, the Association has a strong backing of all institutions and statutory bodies, thereby enhancing ethical research in the country. Professionalisation of Rresearch ethics administration in the country has emerged as the key issue that needs urgent attention.

Limitations: The key factors affecting the The Association's operations and realization of its mission and vision include the lack of funding to help organize activities for members and also carry out advocacy and community sensitization activities. Annual membership subscriptions are inadequate and so, there is a need to identify other sources for funding the Association’s activities. Due to the lack of professionalization, membership attrition is high as members seek to pursue other professions for more recognition and fulfillment.

Discussion:  Formation of associations such as this one at a national level comes with many benefits to the individuals, their respective institutions, and the nation. Lessons learnt from the establishment of the Associationin can be replicated in other countries, particularly in lowerto middle income countries where strong research ethics governance systems are seldom existent. Bringing REC administrators together for professional development and enhancing the ethical review process as well as ensuring ethical research in the country is a noble idea. Other countries can learn from the Association experience to establish similar bodies.