Ethics Commitee

The Ethics Committee for Basic and Applied Science (ECBAS)

As part of efforts to establish a university-wide system for ethical clearance for research, the Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID) Management Board in 2014 approved the establishment of an Ethics Committee for the Basic and Applied Sciences to oversee and regulate the ethical conduct of research within the disciplines in Basic and Applied Sciences at the University of Ghana.

The Ethics Committee for Basic and Applied Sciences (ECBAS) is an independent body that review and approve research protocols in bio-safety, environmental issues, genetically modified organisms and other applied sciences related research thematic areas.

Composition

The Committee currently has thirteen (13) members from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. The background of Committee members includes:

1. Persons with background in the Agriculture and Consumer Sciences
2. Persons with background in Veterinary Sciences
3. Persons with background in Biological Sciences
4. A person with a background in the Physical and Mathematical Sciences
5. A person with a background in the Engineering Sciences
6. A person with a background in the Nuclear and Allied Sciences
7. A person with a background in Research Ethics
8. A person with a background in Health Science
9. A member of the Local Community
10. A Legal Practitioner

The ECBAS Secretariat

The ECBAS has a permanent secretariat situated at the central administration of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences building which shares the same building with the School of Agriculture.  The ECBAS follows a structured protocol that clearly outlines terms of reference, membership, meetings and criteria for protocol reviews. These are clearly spelt out in the ECBAS Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

The main officers of the ECBAS comprise the Chair, Vice Chair and the Administrator.

University of Ghana Approved Charges for Ethics Committees

1. Clinical Trials   - $ 750

2. Protocols         - $ 500

Exempt Category: UG students and faculty members with UG grants (UG funded)

The processes for making payment are as follows:
1. Contact the Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID) Account Office or the appropriate ethics committee where an invoice will be generated.
2. Proceed to make payment at University of Ghana Cash Office.
3. Protocol is then submitted to the appropriate ethics committee with receipt attached for processing and review.
NB: Individuals, international organization and UG-faculty with externally funded grants are not exempted

Meeting Dates and Deadlines for Protocol Submission for 2022

ECBAS Forms

• New Protocol Submission Form for Faculty
• New Protocol Submission Form for Students  
• Consent form
• Continue review form
• Protocol amendment form
• Study closure form
• Protocal deviation form
• Serious Adverse Event Report

Guidelines for Submitting Protocols

An Investigator, who intends to commence a research project, shall apply for review to the ECBAS. The application shall include:

• The completion of a New Protocol Submission Form (NPSF).
• Submission of 1 (one) hard copy and a soft copy of the research protocol/proposal and all supporting documents (i.e. proposal, NPSF, consent form, interview guide, questionnaire, letters, CVs, etc.) to the ECBAS Administrator at the CBAS office. All soft copies should be sent by email to ethicscbas@ug.edu.gh
• A cover letter signed by the Supervisor and Head of Department (applies to student investigators only).
• The Principal Investigator’s CV.
• An informed consent form.
• Copies of all questionnaires, interview guide and other data collection instruments that will be used.
• Insurance Policies (If applicable).
• Any other relevant documentation.

Format for Full Proposal

• Abstract/executive summary (not more than 250 words)
• Introduction/rationale (not more than 3 pages)
• Aims and objectives of the study
• Methodology (include inclusion and exclusion criteria)
• Literature review (not more than 4 pages)
• Ethical considerations (i.e. consent procedures, confidentiality, privacy, risks and benefits, etc)
• Expected outcomes/results
• References
• Work plan
• Budget and budget justifications

Ethical Clearance Documents Arrangement

1. Cover letter
2. Protocol submission form
3. Consent form
4. Protocol/Proposal
5. Curriculum Vitae (s) (CVs)

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and UG Ethics Policy

• ECBAS SOP
• UG Ethics Policy

Contact Us

The ECBAS Administrator
First floor
School of Agriculture Building
College of Basic and Applied Sciences
Email: ethicscbas@ug.edu.gh